Trouble Facing Young People Today

¶ … Young People and the Role of the Parent There are a number of problems associated with young people today. Many young people turn to drugs and alcohol. Many others turn to crime, ranging from graffiti and shoplifting to break and enters and car theft. While there may be many reasons that contribute to these problems, I believe parenting is one that continues to be of major importance.

This is not to say that parents are the reason for the problems, but I believe parents can do more to prevent their children from turning to drugs, alcohol and crime. Firstly, I must note that it is not always the fault of parents. I know that there are a great deal of parents who raise their children well but still have them turn to drugs and alcohol. However, I also know that many children that have serious problems with drugs and alcohol come from dysfunctional homes.

Many people might disagree with this statement, but I work in this field and have seen for myself that parenting plays a major role in the decisions that young people make. As noted, this does not mean that children in trouble always come from bad parents. But it does mean that good parenting is more likely to help the child to make good decisions and stay out of trouble. Many people would also argue that society is to blame.

It is true that there are a lot more pressures and bad influences in society. This is another contributor to the problems and a reason that parenting becomes even more important. In the past, I think children were more protected than they are in today's society. They did not have the bad influences such as television, movies, and video games. These bad influences are something parents need to protect their children from. Television and movies are one of the worst influences on children.

Many television shows and movies include crime, violence, sex, and drug and alcohol use. Many of the programs glorify these things. Video games also glorify violence. In today's society, children are more likely to turn to television and video games as forms of entertainment. Children are less likely to read books or play outside. In the past, games like Hide and Seek, playing house and sports were more popular for children's entertainment. These games do not encourage violence and they are interactive for the child.

In today's society, children are less likely to play these games and more likely to watch television and play video games, activities that are a bad influence, while also not allowing the child to interact as much with other children or to exercise. In today's society, it appears that young people will pick video games and television over reading and playing other games. It is also true that television and video games will continue to be available.

This is where it is up to the parents to control what their children do. Parents can limit the amount of television and video game playing allowed. Parents can also monitor and decide what is appropriate viewing for their children, not allowing them to watch programs or play video games that will be a bad influence. Finally, parents can encourage their children to play more games outdoors and to read more. With these steps, a parent is reducing the amount of bad influences the child comes in contact with.

This does not mean that the child will definitely not grow up to develop a drug, alcohol, or crime problem. But reducing the bad influences will not.