Should etiquette be taught in schools?

Question

I think it's time for schools (Pre-school, Elementary, Junior and High School) to teach etiquette because obviously parents (not all) are not doing their job. I'm only 18 and notice how kids have NO manners what so ever. They need to know how to act at home and public... they're becoming an embarrassment!

These are some of the things I was taught as a kid:
~ To welcome/congratulate someone we give them flowers.
~ Respect ALL your elders.
~ Everyone must remove footwear when entering someone's home.
~ It's rude to speak loudly and expect special treatment.
~It's rude to stare to long.
~When visting homes you give a small gift.

Answer 1

Yes........and in my sons public school it is....somewhat. I wish they did more to teach our kids how to be socially acceptable.

Think about it....
Etiquette seeps into every aspect of our lives. People become offended all the time and the person who displays the offensive behavior probably doesnt even realize they are doing anything wrong. Sometimes they live their whole life being this way until someone finally explains it to them, at which time they respond with, why didnt anyone ever tell me that before now?

Just think how much of an impact it would have on our educational system, if children were taught manners, our teachers practiced good manners, and our parents encouraged good manners throughout a childs life. My guess is that it would reduce the instances of school violence, increase test scores, and create an environment were kids were more relaxed and actually enjoyed going to school.
Teachers would actually be able to teach without constantly being interrupted by rude behavior, and would feel better about doing their jobs.
Also, as a child leaves school and enters the workforce...employers would notice their good manners along with their qualifications during interviews and may hire them over other qualifited candidates.
Workplaces would also be less harsh, with employees paying attention to their own social graces when interacting with co-workers, clients, and bosses.
There is never a bad time to have good manners.

Answer 2

Actually, I think the reason etiquette ISN'T taught in schools is because PARENTS are EXPECTED to teach this to their kids. Unfortunately, this isn't the case. And that case is getting larger and larger and larger by the day. Kids are getting more rude and losing more respect by the minute. It's disturbing, yes, but I don't think it should be the school's responsibilty. When these kids get locked up, the parents will realize they should've done things a little differently. It shouldn't HAVE to come down to that, but unfortunately it does. I think kids today are mostly part of the kids-having-kids generation. The parents were "too young" to be having kids in the first place and when they did, they didn't know how to take care of them. The answer? Sit 'em in front of the TV for a while. It doesn't matter what's on! As long as the kid's quiet, problem solved! Disgusting.

Answer 3

I like this idea. I think basic etiquette can be taught in preschool and kindergarten.

Other "rules" of etiquette can also be taught with the regular curriculum. As the kids get older, this can become a "social" issue class. For example, how to treat people with disabilities. This gives the class a chance to discuss what is like to be different.

Also, when the kids get ready to graduate, maybe classes in how to conduct themselves during interviews, etc. Ask a person from a company's HR to come in talk to the students. He/she can tell them why having good manners will help them in their job searches.

Answer 4

I agree.
But i believe i have tought my 3y/o very well.
She goes to elemtary school for disabilities but never hesitates to smile and say thank and please, even though she has delayed language skills she ALWAYS says thank you and please.
Her teacher and aid were praising me and her for her wonderful manners and the fact she insists on taking her tray back to the lunch lady and wants to help clean up lol.
I never forced this onto my 3y/o because of her disabilities but she is just so so pleasent, so i'm very glad and prooud that she has these good manners, as oppose to some kids, last week i noticed in a restaurant she has better manners and minds better than some kids alot older than her!
My 18m/o is also very elpful and well mannered.
Parent's need to step up and teach their kids and some do a great job, but those who lack are what irritates me.

Answer 5

etiquette should definitely be taught in school because it is slowly falling to the wayside and obviously not being taught at home. Children learn by example and what a great time to start teaching them, but remember that your never to old to learn something new so set good examples for us old folks that know no better as well.

Answer 6

Possibly. But it is more important that schools focus on teaching maths and English.

Some things are best taught at home.

You are from Hawaii? I wish our etiquette in the UK was more like yours. I hate the fact that English people will enter homes without taking their shoes off. Hawiiian people know better.

Answer 7

I am not sure etiquette is the right answer, I agree with you about kids not having manners, I also know many adults who lack this as well! (Just go into the yahoo games room!!) I think what needs to be taught is RESPECT,not etiquette!

Answer 8

i think that etiquette should be taught in school. i'm 16 and i would never dream of being as rude as the majority of people in my school. my parents taught us how to act in public and to use manners and have respect for youself and others.

Answer 9

I think that a great achievement would be to teach some BASIC manners:

- excuse/pardon me
- please
- thank you
- may I
- not to talk when someone else is talking
- not to scream/swear
- hello
- good-bye

that sort of stuff would be about as much as they could take in at pre-school/early elementary. By the time they are in junior high, its too late.

Answer 10

I agree with you completely. Can we make the parents come too? They are desperately in need of training as well, and are the reason kids are so rude.