Are good manners a thing of the past?

ONE of the country’s top headmasters has bemoaned the fact that manners among children are getting worse – with just one example being not writing thank you notes for gifts. He blames lazy parents and text messages and emails that lack the personal touch. We asked our Email Jury if he was right.

A personal touch, such as a hand-written note on beautiful paper, is always better than a quick email! David Tulanian, Los Angeles.

I think, that as long as I am thanked, it doesn’t matter how it is done. Writing thank you letters was a chore I hated as a child and I wouldn’t like children to feel that way about thanking me. Sandra Wisely, Skene.

So many parents are no longer instilling manners into their youngsters at all. Nowadays it isn’t only children, but even people in their 20s and 30s. Very sad. Judi Martin, Maryculter.

I think manners and respect are lacking in society, not just with the young. Very few say please and thank you. In some cases, modern methods are acceptable – letter writing is a thing of the past but now a text is quicker. Dawn Nelson, Dunfermline.

I am a trustee of a local charity and you are very lucky if you get a thank you letter or card. In my day, if you received a gift your parents would have asked if I’d rung them up to say thank you. After all it is only two words. Robert Young, Carrickfergus.

As long as I receive a thank you either by text or email it would be enough for me. It is the thought that counts. Better this than not getting a thank you at all. Margaret Brown, Rutherglen.

Parents should be instilling in their children that they do something to acknowledge presents, whatever it is. Young children need training or how will they ever learn? Susan Ireland, Kendal.

Kids are now too lazy to say thank you. I find a personal email is as acceptable as a letter but seldom get one unless the parents force the issue. The remedy, of course, is not to send any more gifts. Liz Kelly, Glasgow.

Manners have deteriorated in general when it comes to politeness. This has to improve or we will end up as a nation of dullards. Ronald James, Angus.