Kids+These+Days

Although the kids of today are somewhat similar to how I was as a kid, there are noticable differences. Through my numerous observations, both in and outside of the school setting I have been able to come to my own conclusion about kids these days. I think the biggest difference between someone my age and a current middle or high school student is the need to always be connected to the media via some type of electronic device. I too, like to be connected, but I understand that there are certain times when I shouldn't use my cell phone. Kids today on the otherhand seem to not be able to disconnect even for a brief period of time. Infact, in a survey conducted by the Keiser Family Foundation, today's kids have turned into "media multitaskers;" they often use more than one type of media at a the same time. Kids have always been into the newest, and coolest gadgets, but today's kids seem to have taken it a little to far, or maybe it is more fair to say their parents have allowed it to go too far.

The role of parents in dealing with today's youth brings up an entirely new subject, but I cannot discuss kids today without doing so. It used to be, at least in my experience, if a student got in trouble at school, they would get in trouble at home. Today when a student gets in trouble at school, their parents are likely to come marching right into the school to defend their child and try to explain him or her out of the situation. Where is the support for the teachers and other educators? How are we as teachers supposed to discipline a student when their parent will not support us? It just really seems as if parents today would rather be friends with their child than be parents. In the article "Changing Attitudes in Today's Kids in the Education System: A Breakdown in Respect," the author describes a 12 year old student who never gets grounded and talks about how she can't wait to turn 16 so she can have her Luis Vuitton purse. Sending children to school with ideas and values such as the ones this girl has causes problems in the classroom. These students do not respect adults, they do not understand the concept of consequences for their actions, and they feel as if they are entitled to everything, even when they don't do anything to deserve it.

In my personal experiences, I have seen kids disrespect teachers and each other, and I have been amazed at their attitudes. I graduated only 6 years ago and although I wasn't the best student, I was afraid of getting in trouble, and I did my best to respect all of my teachers who respected me. I believe that the attitudes and selfishness of kids these days can only be directed towards the parents themselves. However, I also believe that there is a correlation between kids these days the society in which we live; we are a society of instant gratification, selfishness, and glutany. The kids of today have grown up seeing all of this around them, and they have developed into people that reflect our society.

Anderson, Katherine. "Changing Attitudes in Today's Kids in the Education System: A Breakdown in Respect." 9/28/2008. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1008538/changing_attitudes_in_todays_kids_in.html?cat=4

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