How about fewer and fewer grow up in two parent homes. And the mother is earning a living.
So the children are raised by their peers, who like them lack adult role models. Teachers try but they too are not able to be "adult like" enough, for fear of breaking their liberal "educator" agendas.
They have toys, video games, skateboards, music etc. And of course hours and hours of mindless television which is 1/3 commercials.
The rod has long been spared, and the child is spoiled.