I blame parents too. I recall being in Sea Cadets and navy league my for a decade many years ago. Demands for excellence and pushing youngsters to realize their full potential and overcome fears is lost. Kids whined to their parents to the point of contacting human rights and shutting down the curriculum. Now they are all equals playing on their phones at boot camp. Everyone is a winner having done nothing, showing off a badge or trophy they would have never earned 30 years ago. 
The schools are no different. A child that succeeds wildly in school and shows promise is barely noticeable amongst the entire class. Gawd forbid they get their little feelings hurt. Adulthood will surely eat them alive given the ill preparation.