CYP Now - Debate: Are parents to blame for children's bad behaviour?

David Hart, the head teachers' union leader, has criticised affluent as well as less-well-off parents for producing a generation of ill-mannered children who arrive at school half-asleep, abuse teachers and disrupt lessons.

YES - Kath Donaldson, play therapist, Middlesex

Parents are largely responsible for their children's behaviour. If parents meet their children's emotional needs from babyhood, then the children are likely to have high self-esteem, to have developed a conscience and to be able to make satisfying relationships. To build a secure attachment, parents need to respond sensitively and empathetically to many needs.

If parents respond critically, their children are likely to have little sense of conscience.

NO - Jan Fry, director of external relations at Parentline Plus

As the biggest independent provider of parent support, we at Parentline Plus firmly believe that blaming does not help; what is needed is investment in family support, not just crisis management.

Register Now to Continue Reading

Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's Included