THE EDITOR, Sir:

I am saddened as I observe that parents are missing good oppor tunities to teach their children moral lessons.

On several occasions, especially in schools, when a child finds himself or herself in a moral dilemma, parents overlook it. Instead, they spend much time, energy and money to seek legal and other influential backing in finding a plausible explanation to get rights for the child.

When this method is used, the child's action and its consequences are not addressed and the child is not helped to develop a moral con-science. This of course hinders the development of a socially healthy individual, one with strong morals.

Contributing to crime

It is this moral breakdown overtime in Jamaica that is part and parcel of this sordid state of crime and violence.

In one recent incident, a girl stole a phone from a bus operator, and shared the credit with her male schoolmate. Then one disposed of the phone and the other of the chip.

Both parents sought the assistance of the Ministry of Education and a lawyer to prevent them from making restitution. They lost the opportunity to teach a moral lesson, far superior to a legal settlement.

If our citizens are not controlled by their social and moral consciences, no legal system will be able to secure the nation.

I am, etc.,

MONICA McINTYRE (Mrs)

Principal

Ocho Rios High School

St Ann