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24th Oct 2018

Etiquette expert says children should give up their seats on public transport

Orlaith Condon

Do you agree?

As midterm approaches, we’re all trying to ensure we’ve enough to keep the kids entertained while they’re home from school.

Yes, we’re all planning trips to here, there and everywhere and if that involves public transport, then one etiquette expert says you need to keep one thing in mind.

William Hanson has urged parents to be mindful when taking their kids on public transport, saying they should be giving up their seats to adults.

“As it’s half term, it’s time to revise etiquette for public transport and your children,” read his tweet.

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

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

William’s advice has sparked a debate online with many saying that they don’t believe children should have to give up their seats.

“I respectfully disagree with your assertation that children should relinquish their seats,” read one response.

“Your need is no greater than theirs.”

However, others totally agreed with the etiquette expert’s suggestion saying that it was something they would have been expected to do as children.

“When we were children we gave up our seats and had to stand – now I’m a mature adult I still have to stand. Hate it,” said one follower.

“You’re absolutely right about this one. I remember having to stand up to let people sit down on the tube. Nowadays it seems like the opposite is true.”

What do you think? Do you think children should have to offer their seat on public transport to adults?