Debate (help!): That the school is more important than the family in teaching values?

Question

I am affirming this moot.

Answer 1

You could point out the fact that with the economy being what it is, it is almost a necessity for both parents to work full time to pay the bills. Therefore, they don't have a lot of time with their kids, meaning there's not much time for them to teach values.

You could also use the breakdown of the family unit in America as an argument. Divorce rates are sky high, same-sex marriage is becoming more common (not sure if that's something you can use in school), teens are becoming more distant to their parents, etc. If families are in such a chaotic state, how can they possibly teach good values?

Another argument is that the government has a vested interest in the values education of children. Since children grow up to be members of society, they should learn values that help them to become productive, contributing citizens. Therefore, the government schools can ensure that this happens by providing the values education themselves.

That's all I have right now. Just to be clear, I do not agree with the statements I have made. I think parents should pass on their own values to their children, I do not oppose same-sex marriage, and I think the government does a questionable job of teaching values.

Answer 2

Good luck with that. It's hard to debate a topic when you yourself don't believe it. Go with firm facts about what the school is teaching and how it affects children socially. Many people might consider traditional family values a bit passe. Personally, I think it's the parent's responsibility to teach the children values, and the school's responsibility to teach academics. Best of luck to you.

Answer 3

Well, the schools do try to teach values, though I believe they should be taught at home ... but what values is a child learning if they come from an abusive and/or neglectful home, where maybe the parents are alcoholics? In a well rounded family the values should come from home, but in either case it does no harm at all for the schools to reinforce values.
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