Over the course of the school year, public education in the county has introduced programs to their students which are supposed to help their character development called “Character Education.”

One program which starts off in elementary school helps students to develop taking the responsibility for their actions, being compassionate for others, being honest and respectful. Ordinarily parents would teach their children these concepts and many times parents do, but unfortunately there are those who never get that training and the public school has to teach them. It’s unfortunate that this is the case but if a child gets through public education without ever being taught about being compassionate or honest, that would be an even worse situation.

Another program starting in the middle school years is one on making good choices. This program helps develop the student’s character in knowing right from wrong. At 12 and 13, a youth needs training in appropriate behavior and the middle school teachers are the ones teaching this concept. I have found this idea very interesting because I was always under the impression that parents should teach their children this idea as well. But once again, some parents do not take the responsibility and teachers must do it. Although giving the public school the opportunity to teach this concept is a good back up for parents when it is taught, it is ultimately the parent’s responsibility to teach it.

The program teaches the importance of abstinence in intimate relationships until you are married. “True Love Waits” is one of the slogans used in these kinds of programs which encourage and strongly direct teenagers to wait until they are married to have sex. Even for boys. They should have the same “no sex” standard that girls have. This is an important concept because the moral standard of society has dropped tremendously over the last 30 years. If the parents aren’t teaching their children about abstinence then certainly public school should promote a virtuous life. There is now quite a following of abstinence before marriage programs for youth to encourage them. Hopefully this will catch on.

Another problem in middle school is the inappropriate language and behavior. If you’ve ever walked the halls of a middle school, it is inevitable you will hear inappropriate language and crude stories told among the students. It happens a lot but if appropriate behavior is encouraged and taught at home and at school, we have a better chance of better behaved youth. Programs implementing good behavior are also taught.

A high school program developed for driver training is abstinence of drinking while driving. A video is shown of the damages from this bad habit which is supposed to scare teenagers into not doing this but it still happens. Once again, teenagers need the example and support of their parents to follow through on this foolish act.

Parents need to take the responsibility of teaching their children these “character traits” to be better adults. Otherwise our society will not fair well in the future.

Loxley resident Valerie J. Steimle is the author of two books, “Home Is Where The Heart Is, A look at strengthening the American Family,” and her latest book, “Home Is Where The Learning Is” (www.amazon.com/gp/product/1403379637). Contact her at valeriesteimle@yahoo.com or visit her website at www.stengthenyourhome.com.