Who influence the Child’s Character Most – Parents or Teachers or Friends?

In the baby boomers generation this was very easy to see. Parents were the greatest influence. There were only three TV channels is those days and only family shows were on. No sex, bad language and little violence was observed on the screen. We were lucky to have a transistor radio to carry around. and an AM station to pick up. We had no iPods, Blackberries, cell phones or computers. You played with the kids around your home—in safety. No predators—whatever that was. Your parents helped you with your homework and you spent your free time at home. They took you everywhere and did things as a family. They essentially chose your friends: whom you could visit and go out with or play with. You learned your politics, religion, foods, clothes and culture from them. Teachers certainly had an effect on the child as did their friends in school or around their home, but not to the degree parents did. Parents formed the child’s character. We spent most of our time with them.

But things changed. New innovations and inventions came quickly. Now everyone has their own cell phone, whereas before there was only one in the entire home. Parental and teacher input has decreased in its importance. The parent is around when the child is young and has an influence then but it wanes. Then teachers and school friends become available. Social interactions occur and children absorb new ideas and views. Peer input and pressure now becomes most important. There is less direction from parents.

Now everyone has a computer. Many children today spend their entire day with a computer. Many children today don’t even get exercise. They spend all their time with the computer. For many children, interactions with people primarily occur on line and not in person face to face. The input from the airwaves has taken the place of parents and teachers. Friends on line and input from the internet and other communication equipment like the TV, radio and so on form their thoughts, culture, politics and views. Reading is a lost art. Everything has to be quickly communicated and absorbed or it is not practical and usable.

A child’s character today is more formed by the input they receive via the multiple new lee developed communication devices we now have. Information is now instantaneous and can be gathered from all over the world. Most of the time it is uncensored. There are really few limits put on TV, radios, songs and certainly not on the internet. A parent may be able to limit some things from coming in but the types and various sorts of data is so overwhelming that it is all but impossible to censor. Interactions from friends and unknowns on line appear to be the most important factor affecting a child’s character. All ideas come from the airwaves after their early parent era is over.