Children over five should give up seat on public transport says etiquette expert

It’s half term, which means parents up and down the country are currently coming up with creative ways to entertain their little ones.

For many mums and dads this will involve travelling somewhere via public transport.

And this in itself can be a nightmare as you’ve got to try and get your child to sit still and not make a scene on a packed bus or train.

But is there more to public transport etiquette than just this?

One expert sure thinks so.

Etiquette and protocol coach, William Hanson, has revealed what he thinks is the proper way for children to behave on public transport such as buses, trams and tubes.

In a post on Twitter , he encouraged parents to use the trip as a way to teach their little ones about respecting their elders.

He wrote: "Parents: As it’s half term, it’s time to revise etiquette for public transport and your children.

"At busy times, children over the age of 5 should give up (or at least offer) their seats to adults.

"It’s an essential way to teach them respect for their elders."

People were divided over his comments, but some were clearly in wholehearted agreement.

One person wrote: "You’re absolutely right about this one. I remember having to stand up to let people sit down on the tube. Now days it seems like the opposite is true."

Another commented: "I still hold doors for people and give up a seat and I’m 45, I’m also aghast at how few younguns nowadays do the same."

A third said: "Don’t disagree overall but think age 8+ would be a better age if we’re talking about giving up a seat for able-bodied adults. Plus under 5s can sit on their parent/ carer’s knee anyway."

"Was on a crowded train today where the majority of those standing were elderly and those seated were children alongside their parents. Agree that respect is being eroded, it is a common courtesy for a young person to offer their seat to someone older, no matter what their age," added a fourth.

However other parents were completely against the idea.

A different user responded: "I respectfully disagree with your assertion that children should relinquish their seats. Your need is no greater than theirs…and also whiffs slightly of male white privilege."

Read More

Advice for parents

  • 10 symptoms parents shouldn’t ignore
  • How to explain the ‘birds and bees’
  • Should you let your child ‘win’?
  • Helping children with death and grief
  • 5 potty-training pointers
  • 8 expert baby-weaning tips
  • Life-saving tips parents should know
  • Secret sexting codes parents should know

Speaking to Sun Online, William clarified his comments.

He said: "At the age of five (or thereabouts) a child should be able to more or less understand and process right from wrong and understand the kind motive behind such an action.

"They are able to hold on to any handrails or posts in order to secure themselves and can understand the instruction from their parent(s)."

Source: Read Full Article