Young people who have grown up with iPods, MP3 players and X-Boxes will have to be taught how to make do with less, Labour Minister David Burch said yesterday.

Advising the public on how to cope with the global economic downturn, Sen. Burch said it was parents' job to tell their children how to make sure money is not wasted.

He told a press conference: "The alphabet generation, the generation growing up on iPods, MP3 Players and X-Boxes, have never lived under belt-tightening measures.

"We must teach this generation how to make do with less. Parents start having the conversations now with your young family members on how they can assist the family in lowering expenses.

"Turning off the lights when leaving the room, turning off the computer when it is not in use, less time on the telephone, less time surfing the Internet, we must each look around and see how we can conserve.

"Now is the time to focus on our needs and lessen the spending on our wants.

"Our needs are basically food, clothing and shelter. Unfortunately our list of wants can be endless.

"During this period of belt tightening concentrate on providing for your needs.

"All things have a cycle and yes there will be a time when we can once again indulge in our wants.

"It is now vacation time — vacation time for your credit cards. If you don't have the cash to pay for an item: do not buy it.

"Also practise the 24-hour delay, wait 24 hours before making the purchase. After mulling it over for 24 hours you may realise that what you really needed yesterday is not such a necessity today."

Calling for people to adopt religious values, he continued: "Within our communities we need to revert to the attitude of being our brother's keeper. We need to stop loving things and using people.

"We need to love people and use things. It causes me grave concern when families are putting their children and grandchildren out on the streets and putting an added strain on the already over burdened BHC housing stocks.

"Parents have you raised children that are so disrespectful to you that you can no longer live with them, but you expect society to be saddled with the irresponsible and disrespectful children you have created?

"We must make a pledge to ourselves and our children that will rid us of low expectations.

"We will set the bar higher in our personal lives and in our professional lives and encourage all around us to do the same.

"How does evicting your child and your grandchildren become a priority for Government? What is this nanny Government mentality?

"A mentality of entitlement. Whatever responsibilities you wish to shirk you can pass on to Government.

"You cannot ignore your responsibilities and believe you will achieve success."