Editor: A while back I noticed a very disturbing trend at an elementary school in Langley City. There were children using bad language and talking trash out in the schoolyard during recess, lunch and after school hours.
F-bombs were dropped here and there, homophobic slurs and other offensive words.
These children looked like they could pass for primary ages, ranging from kindergarten through Grade 3.
It’s absolutely disgusting and deplorable how children at such a young age are picking up on this abusive vocabulary.
One can only wonder if the adults are just as bad. After all, these kids had to learn it from somewhere.
It’s easy to point fingers at poverty, schools, and mental illness, etc., but at the end of the day, the responsibility rests on parents.
Unfortunately, in today’s world, there is no accountability anymore, as some parents choose to play the victim card instead. Consequences for bad behaviour are extremely vital in helping children to learn right from wrong so that they grow up to respect authority.
I would like to offer a word of advice to parents: you are responsible for your own child. While teachers can educate your children during school, there’s only so much they can do because it is your job to teach them right from wrong at home.
Even if you are feeling frustrated or angry about something, your best bet is to avoid using inappropriate language in front of your children; they see you as the main role model in their lives.
Also, get to know who their friends are so that you can rest assured they will avoid associating with other kids who often get into trouble at school.
For your own children’s sake, please take care of your household instead of rushing to see the latest likes on Facebook.
Time to get off the computer and be a parent.
M. Brian,
Surrey
