The truth the whole truth and nothing...

The respect teenagers have for their parents and elders these days is awesome.*

Discuss

*Yes, a broad generalisation I know.

Awesomely bad I assume you mean I dont think I know any teenagers who have respect for their parents.

This thread is all about opinion, so fire away!

I think that teenager's general lack of respect for their elders has much to do with the media in general.

One example, TV is the most frequent baby sitter.

I would have much more respect for my parents if they weren't so paranoid about everything, therefore devastating my teenage years, the crucial element in my lifetime just because they can't let go.

True the media is a very powerful influence on teenagers, however I do respect my elders and I watch t.v. It also depends on how you have been brought up by your parents/carers

So is it apathy induced by media, a duff generation of poor parenting, or just adolesence?

Or perhaps a combination of all three?

A combination of all three, parenting I would say is very important to how much respect teenagers have as if you have not been taught respect by parents or you do not respect your parents it is harder to respect elders

Nice point, Sunny. I was raised to respect my elders and so it is deep seated and I am thankful for it.

I was raised to respect my elders, which in a way proves parenting is an important factor, but respect does have to be earnt by those who want it

Example. as a fifteen year old I would always ask my old neighbour, Vic (may God bless his soul, if he wanted anything. This was just because I was heading there and it would save him the trip (he was in his seventies). Do you do anything similar or know anyone who does just because they can?

Yes I do that for a lady on my own and that is a simple sign of respect however some adults do not deserve to be respected

Ok, additional reason:

The waning of organised religion in the western world.

Seperation of church and state.. less and less children are being raised in a religious manner which instills discipline and good behaviour as a matter of course.

Now, I'm the first to know that not all non-religious households are unruly (I should know, I was raised in one after all). But I did go to a C of E school where discipline was was harsh but fair.

I dont think christianity changes your respect for people as lots of people who are christian have no respect for other religions and make it clear that they feel that way. I go to a normal school where discipline is very good, harsh but fair as you said

Christians should be tolerant of all religions.

Historically willing to go to war with them over transgressions, but tolerant all the same.

I agree, parents play an important role in teaching their children things like respect

Christians should be tolerant of all religions.

I would like to ammend that to EVERYONE should be tolerant of all religions.

So is tv to blame as a convenient excuse for parents who would better spend their time doing something else (ie, the the tv is blamed simply for being there)?

Whilst I agree that it is the parents I think that society is to blame for the parent's behaviour.

I get smacked across the face if I get to be a smart ass around my parents. I have to say "Yes, Ma'am," and I would call my dad sir but he has guilt issues and hates it when he makes us say it. He's a weirdo.

Anyhow, keep in mind that there are some really good children out there. I think as drugs become more common in the population of teenagers and as we advance in technology, teenagers sort of gain this interdepence thing even at a really young age. I do have to admit, I don't respect my mom as much as I should, but she's very much respected. I have raised myself into having respect and I show it every time I leave the room.

Society is very much to blame for parental behaviour. Competition between children and their parents is difficult. The struggle to stay "normal" and not to humiliate your child is even harder for my parents. So, I do think that there is a multi explanation for the lack of respect in children today.

I hate it, by the way, when people blame the T.V. for our lack of respect, lol. T.V. is there to entertain us when we're bored. Its there to cheer us up sometimes and to distract us, not to harm us. And I, personally, think its absurd to accuse televisions for it. :O). I hope I've enlightened some of you as it is because I'm 14 and experiencing these issues in everyday life now.

~Sierra

Wow who ever wrote the above - I agree!!!!! No need for my repitition :o) Nicely said!