Natasha Whittam wrote:
Question. Do you think the youth of today are more or less respectful than they were, say, 20 or 30 years ago?
There was a time when children were expected to be seen and not heard.
In school they were expected to listen and to "respect their elders and betters".
Now, however, they are encouraged to speak their minds and learn through participation rather than absorption.
The trouble is that, given an inch, most youngsters (and adults!) will take a mile. Inviting comment can lead to cheekiness.
.
Of course, corporal punishment is forbidden in schools but there is some truth in the old adage:" Spare the rod and spoil the child".
Most old-timers often claim that they were smacked as children and "it never did me any harm".
I should be resentful that I was caned for throwing a snowball at a fellow-pupil who ducked and it broke a window.....but I really don't think I am