In a world where impoliteness seems to be on the rise, one young woman is determined to make a difference. Meet Frankie Johnston, a 17-year-old private schoolgirl with a mission: to remind everyone of the importance of good manners. Personally, I find it fascinating that a single individual can take it upon themselves to address a societal issue, and I'm eager to explore the reasons behind her initiative and the impact it might have. What makes this story particularly intriguing is the underlying causes of declining manners and the potential solutions that could be offered. From my perspective, the rise of impoliteness among young people is a complex issue, and it's essential to delve into the reasons behind it and the potential solutions that could be offered. One thing that immediately stands out is the role of technology and social media in shaping communication habits. During the COVID-19 pandemic, much of the communication shifted online, and this shift has had a lasting impact on social habits and manners. As Sophia Dan, Frankie's friend, points out, the language online is harsher, and there's less emphasis on kindness and respect. This raises a deeper question: how do we strike a balance between the benefits of technology and the need for good manners in face-to-face interactions? In my opinion, the perfect storm of relentless technology use, lockdowns, and time-poor parents has contributed to a generation that is fluent in eye-rolls, sarcasm, and ignoring adults. This is particularly interesting because it suggests that the decline in manners is not solely due to technology, but rather a combination of factors. However, it's essential to note that not all teenagers are checking out. There's a growing group of 'nonconformists' like Frankie, who are tired of the decline in manners and are taking action. This is a positive development, and it suggests that there's a growing awareness of the importance of good manners among young people. From my perspective, the role of schools and parents in teaching social skills is crucial. As Professor Anna Sullivan points out, schools and parents have a responsibility to explicitly teach social skills, and this should be done everywhere. At Trinity Grammar, for example, all students are expected to greet visitors and offer assistance, which is a great example of how schools can model good manners. However, it's also important to note that teaching manners takes practice and repetition. As former teacher and author Michelle Mitchell points out, lockdowns during the most formative years of adolescence have robbed children of a year of critical social learning. This is a significant concern, and it suggests that we need to find ways to ensure that young people have opportunities to practice good manners and develop social skills. In conclusion, the decline in manners among young people is a complex issue with multiple causes. While technology and social media play a role, it's also essential to consider the impact of lockdowns and the need for explicit teaching of social skills. As Frankie Johnston's initiative shows, there's a growing awareness of the importance of good manners among young people, and this is a positive development. However, it's also crucial to address the underlying causes of declining manners and find ways to ensure that young people have opportunities to practice good manners and develop social skills. Personally, I think that initiatives like Frankie's are a great step in the right direction, and I'm hopeful that they will inspire others to take action and make a difference.
