Other than that it really is the way kids are raised.
Perhaps we need to start at base camp.
Yes PALE,
Out of touch "experts", utterly idiotic Kids' TV programming, ceaseless bombarding of mindless video clips, constant escapeism entertainment, constantly pushing the "money is everything" agenda, ceaseless reference to the "ideal body" image, nothing less than "University Education" and, particularly in Australia, sport, sport & more sport, the speculation market etc. etc.
This is what every kid or youngster is facing every minute of the day. What hope does anyone actually think youngsters have when the adults are getting more & more focused on themselves. Kids need GUIDANCE not NONSENSE. The baby boomers have failed miserably in their duties & soon they'll be paying for it dearly.

All these comments are wonderful and show the thought given to the subject. May I add that the whole scenario is driven by REVENUE. Thats all. Thanks

"Sigh. Can't remember the last time I saw a fight as a result of people smoking pot.

You missed the point stg. I did not imply any such relationship at all.

"I also can't remember the last time I went to the pub and the place didn't end in some drunken brawl.

Can you remember the last time you went to the pub? I've never seen a full on browl in a pub. I've seen a couple of nasty one on one fights and had someone try to pick a fight with me once, but that's all.

PALE... I take it these are your views, and not those of the organisation, when you say that parents should be licenced.

As much as it breaks my heart seeing bad parenting and neglected children, the idea of a government choosing the 'right' people to have babies is pretty sickening.

I mean, one of the criteria you put forward is if they're on welfare.

Crikey, I hate to think of the political point scoring that would begin by the Christian sect so beloved of the likes of Gibo.
I'd damn well hate somebody like Fred Nile getting his foot in the door on the matter of who should be allowed to have kids, though I suppose at least the Catholics would have a time of it if they tried, given their attitudes toward contraception.

What would follow? Only married couples? The idea of gay couples having kids (via sperm or egg donation/surrogacy of course) would be heresy to many, so I guess they'd be on the chopping block.
What about age? Would we start telling 17 to 19 year olds they're too young?
Would we extend it to grades in school? After all, what better way to stop so many dumb kids entering the system?

I'd support any moves to strengthen child services and for bad parents to feel the full brunt of the law, but this suggestion takes social engineering too far.

It is called "Positive Parenting" Classes.
I truly believe child/youth behaviour is a Learned thing.

The adults in their lives have been the role models but what are these role models teaching. History always has a way of repeating itself. You have to teach CONSEQUENCE. Consequences for both GOOD and Bad behaviour.
You see a parent smack about someone, then the child will learn that is the way to solve a problem too. You seem them do it, then you better take a close hard look at yourself.

Positive parenting classes are a good thing. They teach how to show your emotions effectively and Not at the expense of others dignity. Instead of 'You make me angry'. It is about 'I' Statements and owning the feeling. It is "I feel angry when you...'.
Where is ownership of the anger now. Where is the root of it all.

I would say it is about significant adults teaching it is ok to have anger and other seemingly 'negative' feelings, but it is the way it is expressed that matters. Don't 'glass' someone because you had your drink split.

And yes, MEDIA sensationalise Everything nowadays and have a lot to answer for. Look at all the attention on Corey.

Gibo have you ever been beaten up in a pub?