Etiquette Expert Claims 'Five-Year-Olds Should Give Up Seats To Adults On Public Transport'
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An etiquette expert has infuriated parents by saying that five-year-olds should give up their seats on public transport, so adults can sit down.
Parents across the country are trying to keep their children entertained during half-term, which can sometimes involve taking them on public transport.
This, as many parents are aware, can be a nightmare - as you try to get the little ones to sit quietly without bothering passengers.
And now William Hanson, an etiquette expert, has suggested parents should ensure their children give up their seats so adults can sit down.
PARENTS: As it's half term, it's time to revise etiquette for public transport and your children.:family_mwbb::family_mmgg::woman::girl::boy:
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.:bus::trolleybus::metro:
- William Hanson (@williamhanson) October 23, 2018
Writing on Twitter, he said: "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."
Hanson's views have triggered a mixed response, with some strongly disagreeing with him.
"Erm... NO! A kid deserves a seat as much as an adult. Elderly excluded," one person wrote.
Another user said: "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."
A different critic added that giving children a seat on a busy bus or train is a matter of safety.
"It's not a matter of etiquette, it's matter of safety and common sense. In crowded public transport children are more likely to be hurt by a crowd. That's why they have to sit. Same applies to elderly or pregnant women," they wrote.
Another responded: "Why are adults more entitled for seat than children? If the children were there first then they should have the seats, only agree with giving up a seat for elderly and pregnant women otherwise they are more than capable of standing."
Others agreed with Hanson, saying it was about having respect for adults.
"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," one person wrote.
Somebody else argued: "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."
