Some people think that the main factors influencing a child’s development these days are things such as television, friends, and music. Others believe that the family still remains more important. Discuss both opinions and give your opinion.

While parents obviously play a major role in the way that their child develops as they get older, many people believe that social factors outside of the family now influence children much more.

This

essay will examine both sides of the argument. There is no doubt that there are factors external to the family that significantly impact on a child’s development.

For example

, there is television and the internet. Children these days have access to these much more than they used to in the past, and they will pick up language and see things that will teach them about life. Friends

also

have an important influence as a child will often copy peers that they admire and respect.

This

could be positive behaviour but it could

also

be negative,

such

as smoking or taking drugs. Ultimately,

however

, it is

family

Suggestion

a family

families

who have the most important impact. Children spend nearly all of their time with their family, especially in their early years. They develop their confidence, socialisation skills, morals, values and views on life through their interaction with them. Proof of the importance of

this

can be seen in the differences between some children. Those that grow up in a dysfunctional home often eventually have problems themselves, whilst those that are brought up in a warm and close environment end up more confident and secure in adult life. To conclude, it is the family that can provide a supportive, secure, and nurturing environment, which is crucial to the way in which a child becomes an adult.

Although

it is clear that social factors play a part, I would argue that it is the former

that is

the most important.