Updated on Monday, June 30, 2008, 00:00 IST

London, June 30: Parents are usually considered to be a child's first teachers and role models. But, a study has some dampening news for today's generation of adults-- you're responsible for your kid's lack of basic moral values.

Researchers at the Children' Society in Britain have carried out the extensive study and found that children aren't acquiring basic moral values nowadays because today's parents are actually poor role models.

For their study, the researchers questioned 1,176 people -- they found that two thirds of adults believe that the moral values of young people have declined considerably since the time when they were young, a British daily reported.

According to the society, the rise of the celebrity culture and weakening family bonds are undermining traditional moral values among young people.

But it has also blamed adults for failing to engage with children and being too eager to criticise their behaviour rather than just intervening and helping them to navigate the challenges of modern life.

According to Bob Reitemeier, the chief executive of the society, adults need to take more responsibility for the young people around them.

“We reap what we sow when it comes to teaching children values. Every adult plays a vital role, which we should nurture as much as we can.”

“Unfortunately, it is easier to criticise children than to invest in them, and it is the children most in need of positive role models who are becoming disconnected from their communities and wider society.”

The society is conducting a two-year project into modern childhood in Britain.

Bureau Report