Gransnet forums

Ask a gran

Where do children learn ethics and morality these days?

(34 Posts)
MartavTaurus Thu 15-Oct-26 13:46:15

I think there has undoubtedly been a change in the way children these days learn ethics and morality, but not in a bad way. For one, there's far less didacticism now, and far more discussion. They can open up more and ask questions.
Making mistakes is also more acceptable, so they learn from the variety of experiences on offer.
I think they still value trust and honesty above all else, those are timeless qualities nearly everyone appreciates.

BlessedArt Thu 15-Oct-26 13:41:30

Cossy

From their parents, their relatives, their peers, possibly their teachers.

I came from a C of E family, but church attendances were strictly limited to weddings, christenings and funerals.

I didn’t marry in church and my children were not christened.

However, myself and my husband consider ourselves to have strong moral compasses, ethics and taught our children from a very young age right from wrong.

None of our five children practise any formal religion, but we consider them to be fine, upstanding, moral decent people.

I agree with this!

BlessedArt Thu 15-Oct-26 13:40:51

It has always been, should have always been, should always be the parents from whom children primarily learn ethics and morals. The church has always been hypocritical and set a poor example in nearly all ways except what they verbally espoused to congregations. Always. Political leaders have always been poor examples. Always.

One could argue that the worst possible examples from whom to learn ethics and morals are those individuals and institutions of all religions and political leanings who say one thing and do the opposite. So it is up to parents to understand the responsibility to their children is much greater than providing the basic human necessities. If we each teach our own the impact of their behaviour on themselves and wider society, we can get somewhere. Unfortunately, many parents have always looked outward for this guidance for their children, placing so-called authority figures on pedestals.

Aveline Thu 15-Oct-26 13:40:15

That's what I'm worried about!

Silvershadow Thu 15-Oct-26 13:39:33

A lot depends on the families they’re brought up in. Look at the parents to see how the kids will turn out.

Aveline Thu 15-Oct-26 13:32:29

I suppose Rainbows, Brownies, Cubs, Scouts and Girl Guides helps too. Duke of Edinburgh awards and various volunteer activities.
I was just worrying about some of the attitudes and things I've heard children say. Maybe violent computer games aren't good for them.

Cossy Thu 15-Oct-26 13:28:51

From their parents, their relatives, their peers, possibly their teachers.

I came from a C of E family, but church attendances were strictly limited to weddings, christenings and funerals.

I didn’t marry in church and my children were not christened.

However, myself and my husband consider ourselves to have strong moral compasses, ethics and taught our children from a very young age right from wrong.

None of our five children practise any formal religion, but we consider them to be fine, upstanding, moral decent people.

Jaxjacky Thu 15-Oct-26 13:27:24

Sport trainers, scout and other similar organisation leaders, family members, their peers.

Aveline Thu 15-Oct-26 13:22:18

That's it really. Now that church attendance seems a thing of the past and the world seems full of bad people doing bad things and, seemingly, being rewarded for it or at least getting away with it ( I'm looking at you Trump and Putin) how can children learn?
Ideally from their parents, potentially from hard pressed teachers, but how else?