IELTS Writing Task 2 – Should Parents Be Legally Responsible for Their Children’s Misbehavior?
📝 Ideas with Explanation
✅ Arguments in Favor of Holding Parents Legally Responsible
1️⃣ Parents Shape a Child’s Behavior & Values – Children’s moral development is influenced by their upbringing. If parents fail to teach discipline, they should be held accountable.
🔹 Example: Studies show that children who grow up in neglectful households are more likely to engage in criminal activities.
2️⃣ Encourages Better Parenting – Legal accountability forces parents to monitor and guide their children’s actions, preventing delinquent behavior.
🔹 Example: In some countries, parents of repeat juvenile offenders must attend parenting programs to improve child supervision.
3️⃣ Reduces Juvenile Crime – Stricter parental laws can prevent young individuals from engaging in illegal activities.
🔹 Example: In Singapore, parents can face legal consequences if their children repeatedly commit offenses, leading to lower youth crime rates.
4️⃣ Prepares Children for Adulthood – Parents instilling responsibility and ethical values in children help them become law-abiding citizens.
🔹 Example: Children raised with strong moral guidance are less likely to engage in substance abuse or violent behavior.
✅ Arguments Against Holding Parents Legally Responsible
1️⃣ Children Have Individual Free Will – Parents cannot control every action of their children, especially when they reach adolescence and become independent decision-makers.
🔹 Example: Teenagers influenced by peer pressure may engage in misconduct despite having responsible parents.
2️⃣ Unfair to Parents Who Try Their Best – Some children misbehave despite being raised in a disciplined and caring household, making it unjust to punish parents.
🔹 Example: Many well-raised children still commit crimes due to external influences such as media and social circles.
3️⃣ Government & Schools Also Play a Role – Society as a whole, including education systems and law enforcement, contributes to shaping children’s behavior.
🔹 Example: Schools implementing strict disciplinary measures have successfully reduced student misconduct without parental involvement.
4️⃣ Legal Responsibility Could Lead to Unnecessary Punishments – Some parents may suffer unfair legal penalties for actions beyond their control.
🔹 Example: Holding parents accountable for a child’s minor mistake, such as skipping school once, would be excessive.
📌 Sample Answer
Introduction (Paraphrased Using Passive Voice):
It can be observed that some people believe parents should be legally responsible for their children’s misbehavior, as they play a crucial role in shaping their values and actions. However, others argue that children’s actions are influenced by various external factors, making parental accountability unreasonable. This essay will discuss both perspectives before presenting my opinion.
Body Paragraph 1 – Why Parents Should Be Held Responsible
Commencing with the argument in favor of parental accountability, a child’s behavior is primarily shaped by their upbringing. Parents are responsible for instilling moral values and discipline, and if they neglect this duty, their children may develop harmful behaviors. For example, research indicates that children raised in households lacking proper supervision are more likely to engage in criminal activities. Moreover, enforcing legal responsibility ensures that parents take an active role in monitoring their children’s actions, reducing juvenile delinquency. Thus, holding parents accountable may lead to a more disciplined and law-abiding society.
Body Paragraph 2 – Why Parents Should Not Be Legally Responsible
On the other hand, blaming parents for their children’s misbehavior is not always justified. Children, particularly teenagers, develop their own personalities and are influenced by peers, media, and societal factors. For instance, many well-disciplined children from responsible families still engage in rebellious behavior due to external influences. Additionally, the role of schools and communities in guiding children should not be overlooked. Therefore, while parents have a duty to nurture their children, making them legally accountable for every misdeed may be excessive and unjust.
Conclusion:
To conclude, although parents play a significant role in shaping their children’s behavior, holding them legally responsible for every misdeed is not a practical solution. In my opinion, while parents should be encouraged to instill discipline, legal accountability should be limited to extreme cases of parental neglect or failure. Therefore, a balanced approach, involving families, schools, and social institutions, is the most effective way to ensure responsible child upbringing.
📌 Vocabulary for a High Band Score (7.5+)
✅ Parental Responsibility & Law Vocabulary:
- Juvenile delinquency
- Legal accountability
- Moral development
- Disciplinary measures
- External influences
- Ethical values
✅ Advanced Linkers & Phrases:
- Commencing with the argument in favor of…
- On the other hand, blaming parents for…
- A clear example of this is…
- Thus, holding parents accountable may lead to…
- To conclude, although parents play a significant role…