24. PARENTS.
Parents must re-double their efforts to provide for the sound moral formation
of children and youth. This includes inculcation of healthy attitudes toward
human sexuality based on respect for the dignity of every person as a child of
God, on the virtue of chastity and on the practice of self-discipline. A
well-ordered family life in which the parents are obviously faithful and
committed to each other and to their children provides the best school for the
formation of sound moral values. Today, too, children and young people must be
taught how to be discriminating, informed consumers of media. Parents, in
particular, influence their children through the example they give in this
matter; parental passivity or self-indulgence in regard to media teach false
and damaging lessons to the young. Of particular importance to young people is
the example their parents give of true love and tenderness in marriage and of
readiness to discuss matters of concern to their children in a loving and
gentle manner. It must not be forgotten that, in matters of human formation,
"more is obtained by reasoned explanation than by prohibition".6
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