The case of Mary Bell, who was convicted of manslaughter at age 11 for the murder of two young boys in England during 1968, has captured the attention of many over the years. As an educator, it can be challenging to approach this topic with students, as it touches on sensitive issues such as crime, violence, and child welfare. However, discussing Mary Bell within a classroom setting offers important opportunities for understanding the complexity of human behavior and facilitating discussions about mental health, social issues, and the criminal justice system. Here are some suggestions for teaching students about this thought-provoking subject.
1. Contextualizing the Case
Before diving into the specifics of Mary Bell’s story, provide students with a general understanding of crime in the 1960s in Britain. Introduce key concepts like poverty, lack of social services support, and attitudes towards juvenile delinquency at that time. Additionally, discuss how media coverage and societal views influenced public opinion towards her case.
2. Exploring Mary Bell’s Background
Invite students to analyze Mary Bell’s upbringing by organizing small group discussions or assigning research projects about her family life and childhood experiences. Encourage them to consider key factors that may have contributed to her actions such as physical abuse, emotional neglect, and parental influences. By examining her background in-depth, students will gain a broader understanding of why she may have committed these crimes.
3. Debating Juvenile Justice and Rehabilitation
Present students with information about how Mary Bell’s case was handled in the legal system – specifically relating to her being tried and convicted as an adult while still just 11 years old. Initiate a class debate or essay assignment to explore how this decision might have impacted her development and whether it was appropriate given her age. Provide students with resources detailing modern approaches to juvenile justice reform and invite them to compare and contrast these methods with the handling of Mary Bell’s case.
4. Analyzing Mental Health and Social Services
Discuss with your students how Mary Bell’s case underscores the importance of addressing mental health issues and access to social services when working with children. Encourage them to explore research on early intervention measures, such as therapies, mentorship programs, and family support systems that have been shown to help prevent behavioral problems in children. Compare historical resources available to Mary Bell at the time to what would be available today.
5. Ethics and Sensitivity in Reporting
Finally, teach students about responsible journalism practices by examining how Mary Bell’s case was reported in the media. Discuss ethical considerations in reporting sensitive topics, particularly involving minors. Have students analyze newspaper articles from the time period for examples of bias or sensationalism and encourage them to reflect on the impact these headlines may have had on public opinion.
Conclusion:
Teaching students about Mary Bell requires a thoughtful approach that considers the sensitivity of the subject matter and fosters critical thinking. By incorporating these recommendations for engaging lessons, educators can inspire thoughtful discussions and promote empathy while examining an important moment in history.
