Why is British culture so contemptuous of children?

Question

Why is British culture so contemptuous of children?

Answer 1

I agree with uxorious. Remember that old saying "children should be seen but not heard"

Answer 2

This is out of left field, as I'm American, but hasn't there been a long history of contempt for children in Britain - Dickens describes it in detail and it was already a tradition.

Answer 3

Because children in the UK are probably the worst behaved in the developed world. They have no respect for anyone or anything, they are rude and foul mouthed and they have no concept of discipline or personal responsibility. Teenage binge drinking, particularly amongst females is almost unheard of in many European countries; in the UK it's a hobby. Other countries love their children but they also understand that children need discipline and guidance. They need authentic role models (not celebrities) and they have to understand that you only get out of life what you put into it; and also that money and human rights aren't the answer to everything. We're contemptuous of children because they are contemptuous of everything around them, and we've made them that way because we have labelled discipline, responsibility and respect as dirty words.

Answer 4

Because Britain is known for it's gangs of Chavs who hang out on street corners or outside the local shops.

Answer 5

What a sweeping unfounded loaded question!

Maybe you would like to list some salient points to backup your assertion?

Answer 6

Because some kids are little arrogant pricks who skate around the war memorials, blurting on about how "individual" they are.

We aren't going to hear about every kid who is fine in the news are we?

Answer 7

Uxorious for Secretary of State for Education.

Answer 8

I think that is a vast over generalisation.  My whole existence has been about my love for my children and now my grandchildren.  All of my friends feel the same way, so I don't know where contempt comes into it.