A Code of Ethics for Kids

Debrah-Lynn B. Hook is a journalist and mother of three. In a recent article, “Ethical Behavior continues to decline,” she noted how pervasive lying and deceit have become among the latest generation of youth.

Her conclusion is supported by studies from the Josephson Institute of Ethics, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit that established the CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition, a partnership of more than 900 educational and youth-serving organizations committed to improving the ethical quality of America ’s young people through character development.

Last fall, the institute conducted a survey on high school character and its relationship to adult conduct. Here are their key findings:

• “Young people are much more cynical than their elders – they are considerably more likely to believe that it is necessary to lie or cheat in order to succeed.
  
• “Those who believe dishonesty is necessary are more likely to actually lie and cheat.
• “Cheaters in high school are far more likely as adults to lie to their spouses, customers and employers and to cheat on expense reports and insurance claims.”

The Institute also emphasizes the need for schools to play a significant role in teaching honesty, responsibility, respect and other values to students.

But how about parents? What should we be doing at home? How do our own actions and lapses in ethical behavior affect our children’s attitudes? What steps can we take to help our children establish a healthy code of ethics?