A third of children under four have a television in their bedrooms, research by the Early Learning Centre has found. Chief inspector of schools David Bell says young children's communication and behaviour are worse than ever because parents put the television on rather than talk and play with children.
Critics say allowing children uncontrolled access to TV will slow their development but an educational psychology professor Paul van den Broek says children who can follow TV storylines may become better readers.
Is TV so bad? Are parents under more pressure to stimulate their children? Do you think performance at school is directly affected by TV? What did you do with your free time as a child?
The following comments reflect the balance of views we have received:
Hey adults do it... and it appears not to affect them much. In fact apart from some of our pathetic soaps it's a pretty good education tool when science facts and history are shown.
Richard Sweetman, England
The problem with children watching too much TV is that communication is only one way. They get "input" but don't communicate outwards. When I was a child, we used to spend a lot of time playing games, Ludo, Snakes and Ladders and also making things (using shoe boxes to make our own theatres with cut-outs from comics. Who remembers doing that?!). Have a look at the population aged 50-60 (who didn't have TV as children) and then those who are aged under 40. Speaks for itself really, doesn't it?
Dave Owens, UK
 |  I remember in the 70s hearing about kids addicted to TV  |
This is old news. I remember as a teenager in the 70s hearing about kids addicted to TV. At least there was less children's TV then, and we were forced to watch the dramas, documentaries and comedies for grown-ups instead, from which I learned a lot about the world.
John, UK I lived without a TV for years on my own, it was only my wife that really missed it. She wanted cartoons to entertain the kids, well it entertains them and I just don't go in the lounge any more.
Mike, UK
For all those worried about leaving their children in front of the TV - worry not, for the Radio Times is at hand! Yes, every week they take a children's TV programme, get two kids and two parents to watch it, and then discuss if it's suitable for your child to watch TV on its own or not. This week, one mother said something along the lines of "I would watch it with my daughter (4) if she asked me to but it's not necessary." Thanks to the Radio Times you need never watch TV with your children ever again!
Mark, Scotland
You wouldn't dream of sending your kids to the library, roaming free in the adult section, so why do the same with TV?
Juliette, UK
Calm down. My son, aged 26 months, knows Tony Blair is the prime minister of Britain and that George Bush is 'prime minister' of America, he recognises both of them. He knows the capitals of France, UK, Poland and Germany. He always says please and thank you, can differentiate between football, rugby and cricket, knows that baseball is a girl's game called rounders and that the nearby park is a great place to kick a ball. Quality TV (believe me, it exists), when matched with other physical and mental stimulus isn't just good for you, it's fantastic.
Chris McGeachin, Poland (ex UK) I dislike it that my 12-year-old has for years found her main entertainment on the small screen. However she is mildly dyslexic and finds reading on her own very difficult. She watches too many soap episodes for my liking, but she has also watched Romeo and Juliet, Pride and Prejudice, Middlemarch, The Mill on the Floss, countless science and art programmes, sport and David Attenborough. She is a fierce Jane Austen fan because of these BBC costume dramas for which I am immensely grateful.
When she slumps down in front of Hollyoaks or Eastenders after a long day at school, I have to ask myself what I would choose to watch if I were exhausted and wanted to chill out for a couple of hours before bed. There are moments of sheer pleasure on TV for me as an adult, and I see no reason why my children shouldn't use TV in the same way.
Mick, UK
| I would never have coped with school if I were in front of the TV |
What is all this nonsense about dyslexics need TV more than other children? I am dyslexic and dyspraxic and I would never have coped with school if I were stuck in front of the TV all the time. I improved my chances of doing well by taking part in sports and passtimes which enabled me to improve my co-ordination and were well away form the TV.
Kate, UK I work with old people living alone. Those trying to alleviate their loneliness using television, often rapidly develop a mental deterioration associated with Alzheimer's. Those involved in some activity, it doesn't seem to matter what so long as other people are involved, invariably stay mentally alert much longer.
Andrew, UK
I think too much TV is bad. What happened to the art of conversation and providing your own entertainment? Too many people use the TV instead of making their own enjoyment. Reading and playing games is far more stimulating for a child's growth both physically and mentally.
Catherine Ruffy, England
'Just switch off your television set and go out and do something less boring instead!' Everyone over the age of 25 will know what I'm talking about!
Wendy, UK
| The TV is an entertainment device and nothing more |
TV has a lot of educational benefits - there is a plethora of educational material to be had, but, the TV should be regarded as one aspect of entertaining. A half hour children's show in the morning is ample for my two-year-old. But he has learned so much more from physical interaction with other children when at school, as well as my own time with him bonding and reading. The TV is an entertainment device and nothing more. If you don't feel safe having your child playing in the park by themselves, go with them and encourage them to exercise by being an active role model.
PG, Australia/UK I am puzzled at all these people who watch TV so much - what on earth do they find to watch? We have found nothing to watch since last Friday except the news so it has stayed off. Have people no discernment any more?
Catherine Davies, England
As a full time working mum to an active two-year-old I am exhausted after a hard day at work but can honestly say that there is nothing more rewarding and relaxing than spending the remainder of the day playing and educating my daughter. I think the key is to engage yourself and your children in a variety of activities and show them that you enjoy their company.
Susan, UK
I know too many parents who want their children to watch TV so that they don't disturb them. One lazy generation of parents are making their children even lazier by letting them watch hours of mind numbing TV which does not stimulate them to be productive. I think too many TV programs are cheap, un-stimulating or at there worse full of violence. This goes for adult programmes as well. Too many channels and not enough intellect.
Frances, UK
| We are all too busy watching rubbish on TV to bother actually living |
What do people expect? Children watch too much TV because the grown ups do too. The problem is that people can't be bothered to do anything else. Some people don't even cook anymore. We are all too busy watching rubbish on TV to bother actually living.
James McNamara, London I know everyone complains about how TV is affecting children's outdoor lives, but times have changed. When you were young, you probably played in the park all the time, but back then, your Grandparents were probably grumbling about how it wasn't proper. How you should be working. As the times change, TV is an increasingly important part of our lives. In the modern day of metropolis' playing outdoors is definitely unattractive and, at that age, like it or not, the parks are probably dominated by teenagers playing football. The decrease in interest to sports can not be attributed solely to TV.
Quincy, Hong Kong
It is not suitable for children to have TV in their own bedroom. Parents have the responsibilities to watch over their kids and guide the kids if they have any questions. It is easy for them to absorb everything shown on TV, what they see and what they listen. As we know, nowadays many inappropriate words or scenes shown on TV which is not suitable for kids. Are we going to let them be uncontrolled children?
Hillwan, UK
In my opinion, so long as children are receiving stimulation from other sources - books etc - watching a lot of TV doesn't have to be a bad thing, it can teach a lot of things and children can absorb it quicker because it's via a medium that they enjoy.
Sarah, UK
It is more crucial to talk about what they watch. There is a lot of informative, entertaining quality programmes on TV, if you look for them. Unfortunately there is also a lot of cheap dross, and more damaging a lot of rubbish that perpetuates the myth of "laddish" culture being cool. The only people who can have any influence on this are the programme commissioners - they alone bear the responsibility of the plethora of trash TV on our screens.
Graeme, England
| Using TV while parents do something else is wrong |
Children probably do watch too much TV in the wrong situations and under the wrong circumstances. My two year old likes the TV, but we sit and watch together, talking about what we see and what people are doing. And if we're not watching something specific, the TV is off. It's quality of viewing as well that's the problem, not just quantity. He likes to watch nature programmes, and therefore has a wonderful recognition of animals. Using TV as a distraction while parents (or babysitters) do something else is wrong. Developing a child's mind and imagination is critically important, and while some TV can contribute to this, nobody should be fooled into thinking it can replace social interaction.
Vik, Middx, UK I have two children under the age of three and the only thing they watch is CBeebies - and they don't even like that very much. They would much rather play with their cars and trucks. Children need to be encouraged to interact with each other and toys, not with the TV. Playing with toys helps then to develop there imagination. Some children's TV programmes are good because I can see that my son gets excited with the sounds, colours and actions of the characters. We sit there and watch it together so that he can explain to me what's happening and I feel he has a better understanding about what he is watching.
Suzanne O'Keeffe, England
Sure, there are probably better things for your child to be doing, like playing outside with friends. Whether that is any safer than a life in front of the TV, who knows. The "educational value" of some of these children's TV programmes is decidedly questionable though. In later life, TV becomes more important because it is often the focus of conversation at social gatherings. TV also satisfies a lot of our emotional needs. It's full of sex, violence, drama, turmoil and information about the world that many cannot and will not afford to see in their lifetime.
Gavin, Wales
I was at a church picnic a few weeks ago, we were playing rounders and football, then I noticed that there were loads of adults, but only around half the kids were running about and playing, the other half (notably the "chubby" half) were sat under trees playing on games etc. What a sad state of affairs, when that is the most natural thing for them to do on Cannock chase on a sunny hot day! TV has created these habits that these people will suffer with for the rest of their lives!
Paul Sealey, England
| The telly is a great addition to real life but a terrible substitute for it |
It's not so much a case of too much TV as too little of other things. If you get your kids out walking in the countryside, playing sport, bird watching, cooking, playing an instrument etc, it doesn't matter how much TV they watch on top (if they've got time!). The bottom line is that the telly is a great addition to real life but a terrible substitute for it.
Charles Moore, Scotland Television is the substitute babysitter of today. It is a quick easy alternative to creating other activities. Tell most children to go without TV for a week and look at the face of horror they create.
David Adama, USA
I think TV can be a great teacher for kids - if they watch the right things. But your picture of the Tellytubbies is apt - do we want the next generation to prance around talking gibberish all the time? It's insulting to their young intelligence.
Tim, UK
| To watch TV in solitude is even worse |
The fact that 60% of children under six have a TV in their bedroom is awful. To watch TV in solitude is even worse. It reduces their basic interaction skills from a very early age. It then becomes apparent that parents are complaining that their children don't communicate enough with them. I'm 15, and when I was younger my parents set rules about the amount of TV my brother and I watched. We were also not allowed to watch game shows and soaps. This meant that the quality and quantity of the TV we saw was increased, and decreased, respectively.
Harriet, UK I watch TV, but I don't watch mindless programmes, as the people who try to make a name for themselves by digging up age-old social issues would have you believe. I watch quality TV like The West Wing, which is both entertaining and educational.
Jefferson Regan, 15, UK
TV is fine, it is just the amount children watch that's the problem. Putting a TV in a child's room is absolute madness: children should be outdoors, running around, interacting with other children and learning things first hand, not being spoon fed stuff from a screen.
Wendy, UK
Every adult in this country is to blame for any behavioural problems in children resulting from that box that sits in the corner. From adults not supervising children and what they watch and the length of time they watch, to those who work in the media, be it programming or advertising. To the teachers who still use the TV as a teaching tool or for that end of term 'treat'.
To those that complain about behaviour of our young adults but don't see the connection between bad language and violence and the constant bombardment of advertising on TV before 10pm. We are all to blame, every time we turn on our TVs whether there is a child in the room or not. Society in this country has a lot to answer for and I do believe its getting worse.
Elaine, UK
I agree with David Bell that poor parenting is to blame. Parents have lost control of their children. TV is educational and it is the parents' responsibility to guide. Let's start with the basics: when my parents said no more TV they meant no more.
Ojay, UK
In all the commenting on how much Brits watch TV, no one is actually telling the populace that they have the option to turn the TV off. My husband and I have chosen not to have a TV - the radio serves for news and we can watch DVDs when we want on the computer. Because of this we can choose the images which imprint themselves indelibly on our memories, and hold out against the bombasting of adverts. We have much more time for reading, going for walks, playing games - and talking to each other! When friends come to visit (adults and children alike), we engage with each other rather than sit and absorb whatever the television has to fill us with.
K Johnson, Scotland
| Young children are wasting valuable time |
I completely agree, young children are filling their minds with useless information and wasting valuable time. Instead they could go out on an enjoyable trip out to the park or maybe visit children of similar ages, therefore they can interact and communicate, which could help them to deal with relationships as they grow. Hopefully in the future these TV addicts will not spend all there time on the couch, not moving an inch, not knowing what day it is and frankly not living a normal or healthy life. In my opinion it is down to the parents. Another thing this country is failing in... parenting.
Emma Jacobs, England No TV cuts us off from a billion people. Too much TV prevents us off from participating in the world instead of viewing it. How about trying moderation instead of knee-jerk responses to every single scientific and psychological study that comes down the pike?
Emma, UK
I think people in general, not just children, watch too much TV. It often seems as though those of us who are not into soaps, game shows, reality TV and what passes for "sit-coms" these days are considered odd-balls. And when the TV (and radio) isn't filled with this trivia, it seems to be filled with endless chat about the trivia. Children only follow the example of others, after all.
David Hazel, UK
Nowadays it is pretty difficult to take control of what our children are watching while we are out. I think that some activities like football, swimming could be a good solution to keep them off tv.
Cintia Ribeiro, Brazil
Society now is driven by superficial needs, greed, money and sex, and TV is a big part of it. I think it's disgusting that children as young as three have their own TV set in their room. Young children don't need TV - I wasn't allowed to watch it until I was 5 and I was taught how to read, write and I learnt very quickly. Of course children should be allowed to watch children's programmes and educational ones, but should always be supervised. Soaps like Eastenders are totally unsuitable for young children to watch.
Victoria Parker, England
You tell a child to do something else other than watch TV so they log on to the PC and join internet chat rooms. Then you tell them to find something else to do so they start texting friends on their mobiles! Is fresh air and exercise now forbidden to the under 16's?
Andy, UK
The TV should play only a secondary role in children's' lives. I remember reading To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, where Jean-Louise (Scout) Finch learned to read, when Calpurnia gave her passages out the Bible to copy, so that she could be kept off her hands. If this sort of thing does actually happen in real life, perhaps we could try it on children when we are busy. At least an approach like that would make things easier for them at school.
Graeme Phillips, Germany, normally UK Every morning my four year old wakes up at about 6am, goes downstairs on her own and opens the back door for the dog to be let out. She then turns on the TV, presses 617 on the remote and watches two hours of CBeebies before anyone else wakes up! It's marvellous. She gets her own TV time, the wife and I get a lie in and when the other two kids get up they argue about the TV because they each want a different channel on. TV is a part of our life. It's full of educational programmes and I think my four year old has it sussed down to a tee.
Paul Cook, UK
My child who is now three has watched TV since birth and is the brightest child in his nursery.
Charlene, London
I think it depends on the programmes the kids watch, some parents don't have the knowledge about things kids can watch on educational TV programmes, maybe more vetting of the programmes and encouraging play or reading at other times?
Lena Wright, UK
I think TV is a bad influence on children, especially now there is so much poor language on television. Children need good examples to which to aspire, not the inane semi-literate drivel one can hear on shows such as EastEnders and many others. TV was rationed when I was a child and it was only ever switched on when one of us was going to watch a particular programme. If visitors arrived it was switched off immediately.
Kulu, UK
| It's a case of TV being used as a free babysitter |
It's not a case of too much TV. It's a case of TV being used as a free babysitter. Today's society is more hectic for adults which consequently leaves less time for proper human interaction with kids. It's about cause and effect. Adults have less time and energy to dedicate to raising children because of the necessity of both parents working/longer hours/high cost of living yet the government finds a way of shifting the blame for the effects of unacceptable extra loads they have put on parents back to them!
Gareth Dean, ex-pat Julie says that "good social, behavioural and communication skills are far more important" than reading. That's true, but TV doesn't improve those things either. In our household we watch no TV whatsoever. Not only do we save the $40/month cable TV bill, but that leaves us time for art, music, meals together, and family projects.
Peter Nelson, USA
It's terrible! It means they're not playing enough computer games.
Games Designer, UK
This summer we limited our two primary-age children to two hours TV/DVDs/videos a day, which they timed themselves using a stopwatch. The benefits: They became selective in their viewing, used listings magazines to decide what to watch (developing research and negotiating skills), worked out what they could fit into the time available (maths and planning skills), my younger daughter learned to tell the time and they both spent a lot of time doing other things! Interestingly, when they planned their viewing carefully themselves rather than simply channel hopping they very rarely used up their full two hours.
Suzanne B, UK
| If you can't afford anything else you put the TV on |
Why on earth do we think children need constant stimulation? If you can't afford anything else you put the TV on. Those who have money are taxiing them to tennis lessons, chess clubs and drama groups or buying them a PC. Children today are entertainment junkies. Boredom encourages creativity. Don't believe me? Give a three year-old a few cardboard boxes and see how long it is before it's a train, a car, a shop, a hat, a cooker....
Lorraine, UK When I was a child there was only about two hours worth of children's TV on during the day. So we had to find something else to do - usually reading or playing pretend games. TV is still passive no matter how educational it is.
Jane, Wales, UK
Everybody watches too much TV. How about talking, or reading? Interact! Don't rely on the TV for everything!
Pete, UK
Gone are the days of low quality pulp TV. Today's TV is full of educational and stimulating media. My four-year-old son is already learning Spanish because one of his favourite shows has a Spanish speaking character and the shows website has a game which allows him to practice his Spanish. I think parents should not allow children unrestricted access to TV but TV is not the demon it used to be and it should not be made a scapegoat or excuse for drugging our children into mindless conforming zombies.
Paul Clarke, UK
| Many parents just don't know how to play effectively with their kids |
So much of what is on offer is imported, cartoon-based, and aimed at selling products to kids. I grew up with Johnny Ball and Swap Shop, which were more about informing kids. Rightly or wrongly, the perception is that it just isn't safe allowing children the freedom to play outside on their own as was the case when I was growing up. I suspect many parents just don't know how to play effectively with their kids. Not all of us are blessed with the creativity necessary to invent games and constantly keep them amused!
Steve F, Notts, UK I watched a huge amount of TV when I was a child. I also read a lot of books though and didn't have a TV in my bedroom till I was quite a lot older. Nowadays I'm happy, well-educated and gainfully employed. I don't watch much TV anymore, but I don't regret the time I did because I learned a lot. I wish I could be confident though that children watching TV now were watching educational entertainment, rather than reality TV dross.
Katherine, UK
This seems to be a pretty useless discussion to me. The fact is, all people writing in are evidently internet and PC literate, and hence are likely to be reasonably intelligent and well educated. As such, the parents writing in are not the people who David Bell was commenting on. Tragically, the kids who are not brought up well and will be disruptive at school, will tend to be from families who are badly educated themselves, with little social understanding, and likely not able to find, let alone contribute to a forum such as this.
Paul Johnson, UK
| Parents need support in the form of nursery school provision and parenting clubs |
Can we get back to the real world please? It's all very well moaning about parents not matching up to the standards of the "Goody Two Shoes" tendency in society. The point is that we have an urgent and real problem and we need to find solutions, not scapegoats. It is clear that a large number of parents need support in the form of enhanced nursery school provision, parenting classes and parenting clubs. Unless we grasp the nettle and pay for these things now we are going to paying a lot more in years to come.
Charles Moore, Scotland People should remember that there are quite a few children starting school with dyslexia and dyspraxia, amongst other disorders, and they will be quite likely be clumsy and not as adept as other children. This does not mean they are lacking in intelligence, but it may make them appear to be "behind" in some skills. It is very frustrating for the child, who has to put up with "grown-ups" showing disappointment with them as well as being upset at not being able to do what the other children do. I agreed to my son starting school a year late due to his dyspraxia (after 3 years of nursery) to give him a chance of keeping up, skills-wise, with the other children, and it has worked out well.
Alison Bell, Scotland
My older daughter is 7, and recently outperformed in her KS1 SATS tests, gaining level 3 or 2A (expected is 2) on all tests. She can only just use a knife and fork, has difficulty following instructions in a group situation, had difficulty with speech when she started school, and did not talk at all until she was 30 months (although she could read before this). My younger daughter is 3 1/2, and cannot do any of the things Mr Bell wants - she has never said more than one word. Both daughters receive all my wife's and my care, attention and love, and we strive with every waking hour to help them progress.
Both have been diagnosed on the autistic spectrum, but both are making huge progress using special diets which remove wheat and milk products, but also all artificial colours, flavourings, processed and non-organic ingredients. In my view it would be worth OFSTED or some other Government body investigating whether there are other influences on the trend in young children'! s behaviour than parenting. Mass - and cheaply-produced - foodstuffs would be a possible starting point.
Neil, UK
| He was bored because he knew too much |
My son only developed behavioural difficulties when he got to school proper - not otherwise. And his problems were exacerbated by a head teacher lacking adequate training to deal with a family bereavement. Yes, he used a knife and fork the wrong way round - still does, but that's an hereditary issue. My husband and I did take time to talk, explain and show lots of things to our son; what happened at school was that he was bored because he knew too much. We didn't have enough money or resources to keep him off school or to send him to a school (none existed locally) which could expand on his knowledge whilst letting his emotional and social skills catch up with his intellect. The system cannot cope with children who develop at different rates in different skills and the back up for teachers and parents needs to be much more effectively targeted.
Jenny, Scotland Many of the comments posted here today sum up exactly what the problem is with our society today - "it's always somebody else's fault". Everyone must start taking responsibility for their actions. This govt may not be my cup of tea, but I don't have the bare faced cheek to blame them for my children's behaviour! I hear parents swearing at their kids and then tell them off when they use the same words. Children as young as 7 hanging around the streets after dark because parents say they can't watch them 24 hrs a day - hello! Yes you can if they misbehave, you are their parents! We should all stop trying to blame somebody else and start parenting responsibly.
Pete Wilde, GB
Well, I'm convinced that I'm wasting my life working all hours just to see half my income disappear in taxes. I'm going to drop out, become a part time owl tickler, and spend more time with my (adored, sole, produced late in life) infant son. Now, which of you fine moral crusaders is going to volunteer to work even harder yourself in order to pay for me sponging off the state rather than contributing to it? Speak up, I can't hear you.
Colin MacDonald, Scotland
| The real problem is that in modern society there are so many interesting distractions |
The same criticism is often levelled at teachers: students are not being adequately prepared for the wide world of work and leave school without even the basic 3Rs. The real problem is that in modern society there are so many interesting distractions especially for entertainment that any activity involving serious concentration and effort is becoming more difficult to first of all engage and then secondly to see through that many essential skills are not being learned. This is as true of pre-school as it is of during school and even in adulthood. The problem which must be tackled is of how to enable and encourage people to acquire skills which may require extended concentration and commitment. If nothing is done to address this issue we'll become a society of shallowness able only to press many buttons but eventually unable to supply the things which the buttons provide: empty heads will have nothing to fill them!
John M, Lyne Meads, UK
If the child behaves well then that child can learn and catch up other skills very quickly. So my opinion is to bring up children with good discipline which is that greatest responsibility of parents and teachers (at school). I have found that more working parents' children behave well than housewives' children.
Mal, UK
Well, since the kids are not as able as they used to be, it's a good job the GCSEs and A levels are getting easier to pass isn't it?
Joey, UK
I spent 25 years teaching and part of the reason I changed careers was the deteriorating behaviour of the children. I overheard parents in a cafe blaming the school for their child's lack of table manners! The year I left in 97 we had our first child enter the Nursery still in nappies! I have a friend in her 70s who has had to teach her grandchildren to use the toilet as her daughters are too busy working. We used to teach basic cookery, sewing and parenting in "Domestic Science" classes, but these were lost many years ago. Perhaps it is time to revive them: for girls and boys!
Jan, UK/US
If parents haven't got the time to spend with their children, then why did they have them in the first place? It's not society's fault that people are too stupid to plan for their own futures! Blame house prices, blame working hours... but god forbid you should blame yourself!
J Brown, UK
My Daughter is four and can do buttons and use a knife and fork. This is largely because when she was two I gave up work to look after her full time. During this time I have received little Government support due to my Wife "earning too much" (we are paying more tax on less income because it only goes in to one wage packet and a higher tax band). Nor has Mr Bell taken the trouble to come round my house and lend a hand. We need tax breaks for couples with only one income and better support for working parents so that we can be the best that we can be.
John, UK
| If parents could prepare their children better, school would be less of a shock |
I think that parents should be further encouraged to teach preschool, as it is such a large jump for the child who is left to watch TV, rather than learn to read which is often more than not left up to the teachers. If parents could prepare their children better, school would be less of a shock and more enjoyable for the child and life would be made easier for the teachers who could concentrate on excelling the child's performance much more.
Anthony, Great Britain My Mother has made the decision to keep my five year old brother away from school till the age of seven. This is so that he can develop his basic three Rs at his own rate without being pressed to learn faster than he ought. This option has worked extremely well, he is blossoming in all aspects and thriving. He learns through play and does not have half the cares of his fellows attending school. I think that Children should be free to develop at their own rate and only attend school at the age of seven at the least. In short, no.
Rob Clohesy (16), UK
David Bell is absolutely right - as a school governor, I know that there is a minority of parents (at all income levels) who are guilty of failing to take responsibility for giving their children a grounding in basic skills - nobody expects all children to be necessarily able to reach the same level of attainment when they start school, but allowing teaching time to be wasted trying to address a "shortfall" (which could have been avoided by some parents taking more of an interest in their children) is impossible to justify.
Robert Crosby, Nottingham, UK
So what else is new? When I started school in 1965, I couldn't do buttons, use a knife and fork, or tie my own shoelaces... but I COULD read. Parenting skills are probably no worse now than they were back in the 1960s. Teaching skills on the other hand...
Alcuin, UK
Alcuin UK, perhaps you should think of doing some research before making such ill-informed suggestions about teaching skills. As a teacher of some years, I have seen the standards of teaching rise phenomenally recently. I have, however, also observed a very sad decline in parental interest and influence over their children. Many are too quick to point the finger at the teachers when their darling is behind on his/her coursework. The fact is that children need to be encouraged to take responsibility for their learning, and the message needs to come loud and clear from the parents. Working parents should make no difference at all. My own wife returned to work two weeks after the birth of our son. You simply have to make the time to educate your children, or why bother having them?
Ant, UK
Ant (UK) gives a classic teacher response to criticism. Any shortcomings are the parent's fault. As a former teacher I know the reverse is usually true. The typical attitude of many of my colleagues in the '70s was that most parents were not fit to have children! Parenting is even tougher now, with great commercial pressure on kids and more busybodies telling you how and how not to be a parent. Let's face it, there is no such thing as an "ideal" mode of parenting. Circumstances differ even between siblings. Love your children, talk to them as much as possible, and they will do as well as they can.
Tom, UK
| People must accept responsibility for their children's education |
The real reason for apparent behaviour and verbal problems is the fact that a growing number of parents are too lazy to spend quality time with their pre-schoolers and aid their learning - it is seen as something that can be passed onto schools entirely. This trend continues when the children grow up - parents give little support to schools, and often undermine authority. People must accept responsibility for their children's education, and realise that their "precious" children aren't above criticism.
David Phillips, UK I agree that parents should be encouraging their kids to read and write instead of watching TV. However, with two teachers for parents, I could read and write fluently at 4. Consequently I spent the first 2 years of primary school desperately bored and under-stimulated as the rest of the class learned to read simple sentences. A further result of this gap in skills was that I was bullied for being the school "swot". It seems you can't win, no matter what you do!
A C, Scotland
Parents are an obvious scapegoat without any form of defence against such accusations of "poor parenting". Looking at the way the world is moving, you cannot discipline your own child now and to be fair, you can't do an awful lot with your own child these days. I can see parents sending their children away for 18 years once born and then delivered home when they have been "properly" brought up.
Gavin, Wales
Children starting school do NOT have to be proficient in reading and spelling. There are very clear curriculum guidelines for this age group and being able to read before the age of 5 will not necessarily give them a head start. Good social, behavioural and communication skills are far more important and it is these skills that parents and carers need to encourage.
Julie, UK
| If parents were given goals to achieve before their children attended maybe there wouldn't be such a problem |
There's no training to be a parent, you're expected to magically get it right! It's all very well criticising but where does it stipulate what the children should be able to do before starting school? If parents were given goals to achieve before their children attended maybe there wouldn't be such a problem. That said it IS the parents responsibility and a lot of it is down to attention and love.
Matt, UK The trouble is that too many people don't stop to think whether they really have the time, energy and commitment to be a parent, they just go ahead and do it because "it's what everyone does". There's a prevailing "we'll muddle through somehow" attitude which when it comes to bringing up children is just not good enough.
Jane, Wales, UK
I agree with the fact the fewer children are not ready to go back to school as many parents leave their children up to their own devices in the long holidays and kids are sometimes left bored with nothing to do and start getting up to no good because their parents cannot be bothered to educate them at home or spend time with them.
Nicola, UK
Do you think it's possible for a week to go by without parents being called for something? It'll be the fault of working mothers again by this time tomorrow - the government's handy scapegoat!
Jen, UK
As a working mum of an 18 month old, I am already fed up of hearing so many ways in which we are bad parents. I do everything possible to ensure my daughter does not lose out because my husband and I both have to work full time to pay our huge mortgage (and no she doesn't get plonked in front of the TV), but it seems that whatever we do, we will be damned. A whole generation of already stressed, guilt-ridden and demoralised parents are feeling increasingly victimised - and how exactly is that supposed to make us better parents? Instead of permanent criticism, can we please have constructive advice, and just occasionally some news about the good job that the majority of us are doing?
Karen, UK
Karen, UK. How about this for constructive advice. Make it a point to teach your little one something new and useful each day e.g. a word or concept, even a skill like tying shoe laces. This allows you to spend some quality time with the child and teach them something that will better prepare them in life. Even at 18 months, they could learn so much from you and by the time they go to school, they'll probably be streets ahead of many others.
Steve G, UK
| In a society in which most parents are both forced to work by the economic realities of life, it is not surprising if they have neither the time or the energy required |
I am the father of four children aged 6 and under, two of which attend school and have excellent communication and social skills. One thing we do not have is television! Children require enormous amounts of time and energy from parents and in a society in which most parents are both forced to work by the economic realities of life, it is not surprising if they have neither the time or the energy required! Sitting the kids in front of the telly becomes the easy option.
Muhammad Uthman, UK I am beginning my final GCSE year and personally I feel with the amount of pressure that is put on children these days by a government who cannot deliver the simple funds to run schools properly, we do not have enough time off. Also to Muhammed Uthman who said "One thing we do not have is television!" maybe good sir with all due respect you should allow your children more freedom during there off time to do as they like because this government has put so much pressure on school children at such a young age so that it can basically just catch up with its European counterparts. The one thing they don't see is that the only way they'll catch up with their European counterparts is if they stop putting so much pressure on children at such a young age.
Matt, UK
The fact that both parents work is not the problem. In many cultures both parents are busy trying to support the family. The difference is that grandparents and other family members would be helping with the children - teaching them about the world, and how to be part of society. This was almost the 'genetic usefulness' of people who were too old for manual labour. We are now too selfish. People don't want their parents living with them because it's inconvenient - and their parents are often just as unwilling to become 'slaves' to their grandchildren while they still feel young. My wife's grandmother lives with us, and she is adored by our son. She now has a role (she was recently widowed), and, hopefully, our son will grow up with the idea that it's good to look after your elderly relatives (ie. us - in a few years)...
Rupert Stubbs, UK
How about the fact that it is no longer acceptable to administer discipline if not the parent? And most parents don't and the trend in society is to ban those that do? Glenn says that good class management skills are needed - how is a teacher supposed do deal with a kid that simply refuses to behave? On the actual question asked, the skill of tying shoelaces eluded me until a while after I started school, but I was able to correctly use the word 'metamorphosed' before I was 3 (And spell it too!). Why? Because my parents would read to me, and mark the page with a finger as they did so. Both my parents were doctors, and rarely got home before 8 p.m., and my dad would often fall asleep in the middle of reading. There is no excuse for kids not being capable of interacting with either society or the written word by the time they start school. Buttons and knives and forks are a red herring (though I am surprised about the skills being lacking).
Richard, England
Yet more buck passing by this Government. When is the Government and Tony Blair going to stand up and accept some responsibility. Now they are trying to blame parents for a poor, under-funded school system. I would rather they spent on the Education system than build the Millennium Dome. Where are our priorities?
Daniel, UK,
I think David Bell's comments were utterly correct and it's about time someone made such comments and about time more people in a position to do something about it listened and took action. The whole fabric of our society has been slowly eroded over the years by people who are happy to sit back and let others take the strain. This has happened as a consequence of liberal minded types finding excuses for everything from the work shy to the criminal fraternity to the point where we are now making excuses for bad behaviour of children. The fact is we are now getting rapidly into a second and third generation of kids whose parents have been brought up the same way and see everything as someone else's fault, usually the authorities and this has extended to a total lack of respect for any authority figure, which naturally is rubbing off on the next generation.
Paul Walton, England
When I started school in 1981 I was nearly 5. Everyone started in the term of their fifth birthday. Compared with much of Europe this was considered early. Nowadays children start school in the year of their fifth birthday: some are only just four. The difference in development can be very great - some four-year olds still need afternoon naps. I think a lot of the problem is that children are too young for school.
Dan, UK
I'm only 24, and I blame the "modern parents" of my age group who have children but still live as though they don't. You'll see a lad of 20 swigging lager with his mates, an ear-ringed baby on his knee. This is not good - kids need all your attention and interest. They're not a trophy or a toy. If you can't handle it, don't be a parent.
Russ, UK
Primary intake used to be staggered - now we have one intake with 5 and 4 year olds expected to have achieved the same level. My 4 year old is spending another term in reception because he is not mature enough to sit still and listen for a whole day (neither is his dad actually!) He's advanced for his age in terms of language and counting. His school has exceptional results (state sector) and strive to get the best from all the kids. Their approach is different to that of many other schools. I wonder if other schools do not take the step of holding younger ones back a little and therefore end up wanting to blame "slack" parents?
Richard Hough, UK
What about nurturing emotional intelligence? That would be of more benefit than being able to tie shoelaces!
Chantelle, UK
| Other European countries and the US wouldn't dream of subjecting 4 year olds to the school structure |
Surely we should be considering the fact that children in the UK are beginning school far too early. Other European countries and the US wouldn't dream of subjecting 4 year olds to the school structure. My daughter begins school this week and I'm not happy about it. She will cope but I would like her to enjoy a more informal childhood for longer. Her older brother was bringing homework home at the same age.
MTW, UK I think that parenting skills have been lost over the last couple of generations as the traditional family unit has disintegrated, people have needed to move away from their family roots to find work and traditional values of respect for other people and their property have been rejected. Many of today's parents rarely think beyond themselves and the impact of the misbehaviour of their children does not seem to receive consideration.
Ian, UK
David Bell is absolutely correct. I do not believe that it unreasonable for teachers to expect that a child's parents have done their "prep" before an infant attends school for the first time. The child should be reasonably proficient in reading, spelling and numbers. I know, since I was. And it has given me good standing all my life. It gives the child an enormous leap into the education "race". Unfortunately, capitalist greed has now driven the need for "working mothers" and dads working ridiculously long hours to neglect their parental responsibilities. And our children, the future of our world, are the losers.
Alan Hall, UK
Isn't it time they appreciated that all children develop at different rates. I work full time, and my 4 year old starts school this month ... if this is the attitude of Ofsted, I'm already concerned that I'll be labelled a bad mother simply because she can't sit still for hours on end.
D, UK
As a working parent whose child will be starting reception next week, the comments are interesting to say the least. My child still refuses to learn how to do buttons and tie laces and refuses to do his zip but that is not without a large amount of patience and effort on my part. However his communications skills are excellent and his ability to eat at table are no problem. Am I a parent with poor parenting skills?
Roshini, UK
| Let's not push our youngsters too much, too young |
I have a seven year old, who is top of the class at everything, but who can't use a knife and fork properly. I also have a five year old who can barely read, but can use a knife and fork. They have both been brought up the same way, but as always there will be natural variation. To say that all five year olds should be able to speak correctly, do up buttons and use a knife and fork, sounds like another range of impossible government targets. Let's not push our youngsters too much, too young.
David, England Good behavioural management by teachers would settle a class, regardless of social or verbal skills developed by their parents.
Glenn, England
Glenn should write a book. He or she obviously can manage a riot with a few well chosen words. As regards many other previous comments most seem to be from good parents anxious that they are being tarred with a wide brush. Good parenting is about giving your kids time. Playing board games to teach counting, reading stories to encourage language and curiosity. The reason many kids are plonked in front of a TV is that many parents subject themselves to the same whether the screen is a TV or a computer. People have always worked long hours, it's how they fill their "leisure" hours with their children that matters.
John, England
Many people who have children do not deserve to be called 'parents'. They rely on the TV to entertain their children, junk food to nourish them and, as soon as they are old enough, teachers to educate them and teach them self discipline (later, in sadly far too many cases, that becomes the police's job). Parenting skills should become a core subject at school - if adults have had inadequate parents, how else will they learn to become good parents themselves?
Fiona, Scotland
Poor parenting? Possibly - or maybe a society where we are so deeply in debt because of soaring house prices that we have to work all hours and have too little time to spend with our children. Mind you, the idea that a 4-year-old (the typical entry age for children in primary school early years units) is likely to sit quietly for more than a few seconds at a time will bring wry smiles to a few parental faces!
Guy Chapman, UK
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