Interesting to see it both ways. IMHO derech eretz kadma li'torah.
I agree 100%.
First of all I mentioned the wild part for those that will bring it up. I know plentttty of kids here that are very knowledgable while still being a mench. I think it's mainly because of how the parents are being michanech them.
Second of all I know plenttttty of kids in America who don't know a thing cuz of the messed up school systems and are vilda chayos.
I would take my chances and take the former.