Supernanny star Jo Frost has issued a furious message to parents who have 'no idea' where their children are and what they are doing, describing it as 'weak leadership'. The 55-year-old, who became a household name with her Channel 4 series in the early 2000s, now shares advice via social media. In her latest Instagram video, she expressed anger over a worrying new trend sweeping the country.
Furious Message to Parents
'What the hell is going on?' she asked. 'Teen takeovers - they've got children running through shopping centres and terrorising people, smashing up shops, attacking strangers and filming it for social media like it's entertainment.' Jo believes the blame for such unruly behaviour lies with parents too. 'It's clear parenting is in a crisis but why do you think we got teens running wild, out of control, kids with no manners, no values, disrespect off the charts, physical outbursts in schools, teens being reckless on the streets and with everyone?' she continued angrily.
Urging Parents to 'Get a Grip'
Jo urged: 'Parents, please get a grip on your children. Seriously? What happened to parenting?' She questioned what has happened to standards and raising children to respect people and themselves, and understanding the consequences of criminal actions. 'Some of you don't know where your kids are,' she ranted. 'You don't know who they're with. You don't know what they're doing. And your child... I get told they ignore your texts... like you are powerless.'
Parents Are Responsible
Jo told parents that they are 'paying for their children's phones and putting food on their table' and as such are 'responsible' for them. 'They're your children and you are responsible for them,' she continued. 'And before anyone comes for me, I'm not having you blame the schools, the police, the social workers, the media, the government or society.' The star insisted 'this starts at home', telling all parents to 'lead your family' by looking children in the eye and 'drawing the line'.
Weak Leadership Creating Lost Children
'Uphold the boundaries and follow through consequences because right now, too many parents are terrified of upsetting their children,' Jo said. 'How is this? This is weak leadership. And it's creating lost children. You cannot raise children with no accountability and then act shocked when they run wild in public. This isn't kids being kids. It's a breakdown of parenting and parenting responsibility. There's a parenting crisis happening and trust me, the consequences are coming because the police are intervening. There's going to be criminal records, courtrooms, fines and prison sentences - not just for kids but you parents too.'
Wake-Up Call
Jo closed by questioning what parents have learned over the past 22 years of watching her guidance on TV. 'Step up, this is your wake-up call,' she added. 'Pull yourself together because it starts at home and it starts now.'
Public Reaction
Writing in response, one Instagram user agreed: 'Lack of consequences, these kids know in reality there is no real consequence to their poor behaviour.' A second person declared: 'Well said. I work in a school and the amount of entitlement and lack of respect from some students is disgusting. Parents pull your head in, it's your job to educate your kids on acceptable and respectful behaviour.' While a third explained it could be a wider issue: 'Maybe the parents are both working full time jobs caring for elderly relatives and are depressed due to their situation, maybe the kids have no where to go, no youth clubs no where to put their energy. Yes look to parents but this is also a societal issue, look to the government.'
