Why are kids and tens such brats nowadays?

You can't just keep blaming the parents. Laws nowadays make it almost impossible to discipline children. Everyone is ready and willing to call Child Services if a parent even thinks of yelling or their child. Kids know this and will push the limits. Why not? The parents will be taking the rap anyways. I miss the good old days when it was ok to punish a kid(but not to excess mind you)for misbehaving.