Many adults distrust youngsters

A survey carried out in the UK has revealed mounting concern regarding the moral values of children.

The survey by the Children's Society has found that two-thirds of adults believe the moral values of children today are "not as strong" as when they were young, and young people are a cause of widespread anxiety and distrust by adults in their communities.

The telephone poll of 1,176 UK adults, conducted in January, have been released to coincide with the publication of a summary of evidence on values submitted to the Good Childhood Inquiry.

Nearly 7 out of 10 people polled, or 69%, said community values among children are not as strong as when they were young and it was also found that 55% of those questioned thought there was more conflict between adults and children compared to when they were young - only a third - 32% - thought attitudes towards young people in their neighbourhood were "mostly positive".

Fears were expressed by professional groups who gave evidence to a panel about trends in society affecting the values children learn, says the Children's Society and among "negative factors" blamed were the rise in materialism, a preoccupation with celebrity, and declining networks of support from community and extended families.

The Reverend Tim Stevens, Bishop of Leicester and leader of the panel says children are aware of these attitudes and want to be seen positively, rather than as "thugs", but negative images of children cause a vicious cycle and were affecting views about children's moral values.

He says these negative attitudes towards children in society mean children do not flourish as well as they might and society must think how that can be changed because it is crucial children are valued and respected by adults around them, so they can learn how to behave towards others.

Bob Reitemeier, chief executive of the Children's Society, says we reap what we sow when it comes to teaching children values and unfortunately it is easier to criticise children than to invest in them, and it is the children most in need of positive role models who are becoming disconnected from their communities and wider society.

In separate evidence, 11% of children said adults in their community were "never" friendly to them and 37% said adults were only friendly "sometimes".

The Good Childhood Inquiry, an independent national inquiry into childhood, is due to publish its final report and recommendations early next year.