Parents should be held legally responsible for their children’s acts. What is your opinion? Support it with examples from your experience.
The debate about whether people should face penalties for the unsocial conduct of their wards, is quite heated. I believe this approach is unfair and unrealistic. Although families are central in shaping the character of youngsters, they cannot be expected to exercise control over their conduct, for the latter must bear the consequences of their own actions.
As young people mature, their behaviour is influenced by numerous external forces, including friends, social media, and the school environment. Even at homes despite being rendered a strong guidance and support, young ones can still make harmful or illegal choices. For instance, if they choose to cheat, lie, or engage in scuffles, it reflects more on their own judgment than on their upbringing. Thus, it is not right to hold fathers and mothers liable for actions they did not directly cause.
Moreover, putting legal pressure for such matters could prove to be counterproductive. Many already struggle with financial, or emotional, stress while trying to raise their young ones properly, and holding lawfully obligated for every mistake the latter commit can discourage, rather than supporting them, exacerbating complications, which could cause chaos for already distraught families.
Having said that, some do support this move, despite this view lacking in substance, and profess such a policy will precipitate a quick impact, for the fear of reprimand, fines and levies would motivate mothers and fathers to act, and educate their offspring about righteous ways, and embracing socially acceptable behavior.
To conclude, although parents must be legally responsible for the well being of their little ones, they should not be blamed for every wrong decision their child makes. Young minds need to take the onus and understand the consequences of their actions, rather than depending on their parents to take the call.