What is happening to our children? - The 'Epidemic of Entitlement' Part One.

I have a question to pose to you all: "What is happening to our children"?

I have been teaching High School and College students for many years, and I'm the parent of four daughters so I would like to think that I am qualified to put this question out there...., both as a parent and a teacher.

What do I mean by this term 'Epidemic of Entitlement'? Let me make a list of the characteristics that stand out in the students I teach:

The belief that everything should be handed to them on a platter.

No understanding that to achieve in life, constant hard work is required.

The "I don't care and I don't have an opinion" mentality - the world is going to the dogs so why should I care?

Obsession with 'fame' - the belief that to be famous is the ultimate attainment in life.

The old 'Blame Game' - "It's not my fault that I failed my exam, it's because I have such a bad teacher and my parents wont buy me an ipad"!

'Anxiety' is the new depression - read 'I can't be bothered to do my work, so I'll pretend that it's because I'm really stressed and mum and dad will take me to a specialist who will diagnose an 'anxiety disorder' which will enable me to get out of completing school work, and just generally get away with not taking responsiblity for my life in general' syndrome.

I want what I want when I want it and I don't want to wait for it mentality.

I'm really sorry about starving babies in Somalia, but theres nothing I can do, so why should I care?

I could name more but I might lose you at this point, if I haven't already done so....?

I have always loved being a teacher, but I am becoming increasingly alarmed that the majority of my students seem to be living in a chronic state of 'apathy'. They evidence very little 'empathy' for their fellow human beings. Many students are completely ignorant of local politics let alone world events. Those that are aware of world events are seriously depressed and express a desire to 'live in the moment' and 'live for themselves'.

Some commentators argue that each generation has it own issues and all of the above is just evidence of generational differences, but I disagree. My gut tells me there is something very serious going on and we need to acknowledge and address it, otherwise I fear that for society there will be dangerous consequences if we do not.

So who is to blame for this state of affairs? Is there just one cause, or are there a combination of causes?

For now I will leave you to ponder my question?

In Part Two I will begin to explore the role parents play in creating the 'Epidemic of Entitlement'.