Who Are the People That Effect Moral Development in Children?

Family

• One of the primary ways children construct a sense of morality is through their social experiences with adults. Mom and Dad are more than just caregivers and providers -- they are also a child̵7;s first role models. Children will often copy their parents̵7; attitudes and behaviors, as when a young boy imitates shaving like his father or repeats his mom̵7;s colorful language at school. If children routinely observe parents, siblings or other family members engaging in bad behavior or making ill-natured choices, they will likely grow up to do the same. On the other hand, children will learn to abide by social rules and treat others responsibly if that̵7;s what they see at home. Additionally, parental warmth, support and involvement foster a sense of moral reasoning and development just as clear, consistent rules teach children about consequences of behavior.

Peers

• Peer interactions inform children̵7;s sense of morality, especially in older children who are capable of the abstract thinking that informs moral development. As children get older, peer pressure bears a more powerful influence on moral development, Also, the early adolescent period is a time when children will challenge and test the authority of rule-makers, such as parents and teachers. Sometimes, children who are invested in unhealthy friendships or friendships that result in immoral behavior, such as vandalizing property or stealing, do not develop an appropriate sense of moral judgment. Friendships, however, can also encourage a strong moral code in children. After school groups that work toward bettering the community and friends who mutually encourage constructive activities are just a few of the ways peer relationships can encourage moral development in children.

Teachers

• Teachers have a major -- and usually, positive -- influence on children̵7;s moral development, regardless of the subject being taught. A teacher̵7;s behaviors, attitudes and actions in the classroom set examples for her students. So when a teacher praises a student for being honest or applauds acts of kindness or generosity in the classroom, it sends to students a positive message that encourages this kind of desirable behavior. If she dismisses lying or cheating on tests, for example, or only sometimes reprimands students for immoral behavior, she sends mixed messages to students about right versus wrong and what is or is not permissible.

Media

• The people children look up to have a major influence on their sense of morality, even when those people aren̵7;t physically or literally in children̵7;s lives. Through the media, children are able to bear witness to a host of immoral behaviors and actions, and will sometimes emulate them, in an effort to model their favorite video game character or pop star, for example. According to a 2008 study published by Barbara J. Wilson, children who consistently viewed violent TV programs tended to regard violence as morally acceptable behavior.