Joel Alperson highlights a concerning trend: children today often do not show the same level of respect towards the older generation as they once did. This lack of respect has implications that extend beyond simple etiquette; it impacts children’s ability to navigate social and professional situations as they grow up.
The Decline of Respect
Alperson recounts an anecdote where a friend’s child, Lilly, addresses him by his first name. Instead, as a sign of respect, she should have used ‘Mr. Alperson.’ This personal experience reflects a broader societal shift. Studies and reports indicate worsening discipline issues in schools, suggesting a decline in respect for authority.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, student verbal abuse of teachers increased from 5% in 2009-2010 to 10% in 2019-2020, while acts of disrespect that did not involve verbal abuse rose from 9% to 15%.
Additionally, a 2019 study by Science Advances noted that people generally perceive today’s children as less respectful than those from previous generations.
The Consequences of Poor Discipline
The American Psychological Association reports that from 2019 to 2023, 57% of teachers experienced some form of physical violence. These statistics demonstrate the urgent need for intervention in how children understand and exhibit respect.
Parental Responsibility
Parents play a crucial role in this dynamic. As Dennis Prager notes in his interpretation of biblical texts, while children are commanded to honor their parents, parents have the responsibility to be figures worthy of that honor. Discipline, alongside love, is essential in child-rearing. Parents should prioritize helping children understand the importance of respect, even if it means facing some temporary resentment.
Kids should grasp that proper interaction, such as waiting to speak when adults are conversing, signifies respect. Parents should model this behavior instead of permitting interruptions, thus emphasizing that adult discussions hold significant value.
Addressing Authority Figures
Alperson criticizes the informal manner that children use to address authority figures, such as clergy or medical professionals. Here, first names lack the formality and respect conveyed through titles. This practice benefits the child’s future interactions far more than it does the adults involved.
Learning from Experience
Adults possess life experience that children cannot fully appreciate. Experiences of pain, loss, or challenge equip adults with wisdom to share with younger generations. Children should honor these experiences as valuable lessons for their own lives.
The Role of Community
Communities thrive on the exchange of wisdom from one generation to the next. Respect fosters this exchange, ensuring children learn from adults’ experiences and avoid similar pitfalls. Ultimately, societies benefit more from children who respect rather than love their parents.
Though demanding respect from children may not appear loving initially, it prepares them for a well-rounded, respectful, and successful life—something every caring parent desires.
Joel Alperson currently holds the position of Chief Business Officer at NeuralRegen, aiming to help patients with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. He also edits Dennis Prager’s The Rational Bible and has been an active figure in Jewish fundraising efforts.
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