Some say that the standard of behaviour among children has worsened and that this is their parents’ fault; others say that schools are to blame. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Sample 1:

Everything has two sides and the reason for the decline in children's manners and conduct is no exception. Many people believe that schools are responsible for educating children, therefore they are to blame. Others are of the opinion that good behaviours must start at home and parents must discipline their children from an early age.

We must acknowledge that children spend a large part of their daily life at school. It is therefore paramount that school children have a strong sense of respect for the establishment and its teachers. For example, in the olden days, teachers used to apply physical punishment on a child for disturbing a class by striking a ruler on the child's hand. This was deemed an effective way to deter children from behaving badly and set examples for others. Nowadays, teachers have very little power in controlling disruptive situations in classes; therefore, they do not have the power to do anything other than send them home.

On the other hand, a parent's role is to teach a child how to behave, to love and respect others. These must be taught from an early age and parents themselves must be good role models for children. The problem is, often, families do not know themselves what good manners or good self-conducts are. They also have no control over the environment in which they live as many large social housing estates are filled with delinquents and criminals that are rejected from schools as well as being in and out of jails. The children's playground is used as lecture theatre to teach children bad behaviours.

In conclusion, to tackle bad behaviours, schools should be given more powers with government guidance and support to control and discipline children at school. But the root of the problem still lies within the family outlook and the living environment the child is in.

Sample 2:

It is often heard that the behaviour of children has worsened. Some people argue that it is parents' fault and others consider that schools are responsible.

Some people think that it is the sole responsibility of parents to educate their children. People say that parents are the only ones who are able to influence their children. For example, if a child gets into trouble, it is the parents' responsibility to take action. Further, many people think that parents are the ones to be blamed if a child has behavioural issues because they are the ones who have raised the child. For instance, if a child is very aggressive, it is probably the mother or the father that should be held responsible.

However, many people hold a completely different opinion. These people argue that it is schools that should be blamed and not parents. For example, teachers often have an enormous influence on children. Thus, if a child gets into trouble, the teachers are responsible for taking care of the child. Furthermore, children spend a lot of time at school. Therefore, teachers usually have the best possibilities to educate the children.

In conclusion, it seems clear to me that schools have a greater influence on children. Furthermore, teachers should be role models for children. Thus, my strong opinion is that schools are the reason why the standard of behaviour among children has worsened. Schools have a better chance to teach children how to behave both inside and outside the classroom.