Kerre Woodham: Using honorifics will keep kids honest

Being on a first-name basis implies an equality that simply doesn't exist between a kid and a teacher. File photo / Bay of Plenty Times

The debate over whether to use honorifics in addressing school teachers is one made for talkback.

There's no absolute right or wrong and everyone has an opinion.

For me, I'd rather that 7-year-olds weren't on a first-name basis with their teachers. Being on a first-name basis implies an equality that simply doesn't exist between a kid and a teacher.

Critics argue that removing honorifics further erodes respect for authority that extends outside the classroom; those in favour of giving Miss a miss claim that removing the barrier of a title makes children more open and questioning.

If it were me, I'd keep the honorific. I can remember the thrill of finding out our primary school teacher's first name. It was shocking that we knew something so intimate about our favourite teacher but not even the baddest boys dared to use it to her face. Awe and wonder and even a little fear is absolutely essential if authority figures are to command and maintain respect.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY