by JC Campbell

Created on: February 15, 2008   Last Updated: September 11, 2011

It would be gross injustice to categorize all children and youths as lacking in manners and morals, but the general trend would certainly suggest there has been a major decline among many of them.

Family values have changed dramatically in the past few decades, producing a crop of undisciplined teenagers and children who lack morals and manners as a result of poor training.

Good manners were once the norm with young people very much aware the older generation. Saying "please" and "thank you", giving up a seat on the bus and holding open doors were all considered normal mannerly behavior.

Times have changed and we now live in a predominantly me-first society which is reflected in many young people. If good manners are taught at an early age, they will generally continue to be part of the personality of the young child all the way into adulthood.

The lack of good manners observed in society in general is no doubt a reflection of the situation found within the home. Without parental example and training the area of manners, it is likely the children will sadly lack in displaying them.

The same can be said of the lack of morals we find in many of today's youth. A large proportion of children have grown up with little or no respect for authority, for property, for family or even themselves.

Living a life of immorality is considered normal behavior today and has produced a bumper crop of young people with venereal disease, unwanted pregnancies and a feeling of emptiness in their lives.

Lacking in moral stability, we find young people involved in crime, violence and drug abuse. The so-called freedom they have has actually brought them into slavery to an amoral lifestyle.

There is a contrast though in many children and teenagers who are moral and do have good manners, proving that it is still possible to develop these delightful characteristics.

It is a real pleasure to come across young people who are mannerly and who have the courage to lead a moral life, not being swayed by peer-pressure into living an amoral life.

Sadly, a lack of manners and morals has increased in recent years, a trend that can be blamed to a large extent on poor parental guidance, training and example.

Training children from infancy to be mannerly will play a large part in their development as individuals who learn and practice the art of good manners, a code of conduct that will endear them to those around them.

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