does anyone else notice the problems with our youth today?

Question

ok, so, recently there have been a rash of shootings and robberies in our usually quiet neighborhood. I came to find out that one of these shooters was 12 years old. Another one was 15 years old. these kids are out and about at 1,2,3,even 4am. they have no morals, no sense of right and wrong, and no concerns about consequences for their actions. I know alot of this has to do with a lack of proper parental guidance. This is becoming a widespread problem, and these kids are our future. These kids are the ones who will be "taking care" of us someday. that fact worries me, as I think more, and more about the future of our youth, and the nation. Why is there not a bigger effort to try and correct this problem before it is too late for these kids? why is there not a higher level of awareness about this issue? alot of people dont seem to realise this is even a prominent issue, as most of the news and political concern is about the war. this issue should be brought up to our senators.

So, I guess the question would be; How do we raise awareness, and present useful, solid education to all the "babies" having babies. Not alot of thought goes into actually raising the children to correctly deal with responsibilities as adults. Sex education is not enough, and if this problem continues, there will be many more generations growing up with blurry morals and values, or none at all. I am only one person, but I dont think my concern for this issue is unjustified. I try to instill the proper values and morals in my girls, but will that help them when 90% of their peers dont have any? One day these kids will be the ones running our country, maybe not in my lifetime, but very possibly/probably even, in my childrens'.
It definately is a problem that has to be attacked from the home. Yes, parents being afraid to discipline their children is also a very huge contributing factor, but change has to start somewhere.

Corruption in our system makes it difficult to provide and enforce guidelines. I think a resolution in that aspect will be required before this problem can be fought from the homes. How do you speak to a child and provide guidance when the "system" tells them they dont have to listen? Just some of my personal thoughts that i feel a strong need to share. I am interested in forming a group to tackle these issues head-on.

Answer 1

I think the problem is cause by the USA slowly becoming the UCA (United Corpate America). If you want your kid to go to good schools and be in good neighborhoods you and your spouse have to work. There by you can not spend as much time raising your kids. Instead you are forced to put them in the the community dumping ground or the local daycare what ever you choose to call it. Then your kids are raised by those in the day care. They may be good people but they can not spend the time and honestly don't care of your child as much as you do. Then the UCA allows companies to raise prices just to their stock holders can make more money causing you to have to spend more time away from your kids because you have to work over time. Then video games that are allowed to be sold. I grew up with Pac man it was a circle that ate dots that was chased by ghosts. Now they play grand theft auto where you get more points to kill and innocent person. WTF. We are the land of the free but we are not free to protect our children from things like this. I know my father generation walked around like they had a stick up their *** but atleast there was a parent at home when the kid needed someone. Now if a teen needs to talk they get on the internet and become some predators sexual dinner when there should be a mom and dad there for them.. When did the dollar become more important then our lives?

Answer 2

A huge part of the problem is parenting. Parents expect everyone else to do their job. babysitters, teachers, etc. We just recently moved to a new school district and my daughter was at the top of her class, and one day mentioned something about mom and dad and her teacher commented that the reason she is such a good student is because she has 2 parents in the home. I see many kids even now that do not even live with either parent , they are living with granparents or other relatives or even friend's parents. I am not saying all single parent families are like this. I too was a single parent at one point , but I made sure to work a schedule that gave me more time off with my children than I was working , I worked 14 days a month and 7 of those were nights when they were asleep. I had a private sitter that only watched my children and nurtured them as I would. I was lucky to have such a support system. And now that I am in a position to not have to work it benefits my family. I never have to wonder where my children are or what they are doing while I am not home. I am here for them. They know it. And I go out of my way to be there for their friends who are not lucky enough to have someone. I think the only thing our government can do is make parents accountable for what their kids do.

Answer 3

As far as I'm concerned, this problem started back in 1970 and perhaps even earlier, when the women's movement philosohies were afloat. Among these philosophies was the idea that kids don't really need a mother around; they will simply become more independent if their mothers aren't home. Thus began a radical change in our culture, when it became assumed that wives were also responsible for earning the living and we transformed ouselves into a two-income economy.

We also changed the philosophies in the school system, teaching children that values were relative and that they could simply "choose your own values."

If we want a positive change in the behavior of our youth, we need to take back what was thrown away. Bring back the solid values that work, and bring back the stay-at home mother (who is needed even in the teenage years), make our schools teach responsibility and accountability again.

Answer 4

An answer to this question could qualify for a thesis.

I think the START of this problem is with the parents and poor parenting. Permissive parents start the entire process.

As parents become more permissive and less concerned with the proper raising of their children, the children will become even worse.

But.......not all children are this way, as described in your question. There are a lot of very good young people in this country. However, it is like the news: they report the bad things, which is more interesting than the good things.

Answer 5

stop our government from taking God out of everything. Stop them from making everyone fill they have to be so politically correct that we agree with things that we know are wrong. I am not politically correct and I don't care. I spanked my children and I spank my grandchildren if they do something to deserve it. Your right about things having to start at home. People today worship the almighty dollar instead of God . Kids see there parents go to church on sunday and then do whatever they please the rest of the week. I also have a problem with mothers who work outside the home not because they have to but because material things and what everyone else thinks is more important than spending time with their kids. My husband and I agreed when we had our children that I would not work unless absolutely necessary. Were not wealthy as a matter of fact we were quite poor but we were happy. My kids are all grown now and all 3 have told me they never knew we were poor until I told them. I knew where they were and who they were with all the time. We talked to our kids but also listened to them . We did alot of free things that were fun because we both worked hard to make life fun for them without having to spend a fortune. Until parents stop being selfish and hypocritical in front of their children I am afraid things are only going to get worse. I'm sure I will be ridiculed for this answer but I don't care. I am only concerned with what God and my family think of me , not everyone else. Good luck and if you come up with any ideas let me know and I will try and help you.

Answer 6

There are so many parents today that are ill equipped to rear children to be physically, mentally and spiritually healthy human beings. Perhaps it would be better if young people were routinely sterilized unless they were educated, skilled at more than one way to earn and live.
If young people cannot spell perhaps they should not be left free to rear the next generation by getting pregnant because if the parents cannot spell, there is too much chance of the children not being able to spell too. Not that spelling alone is a critereon. It is just another part of the same thing. We have too many children today, born andf bred by people who are not able to give them the very basics of the spiritual education they so much need.It is reflected in the crime rate, in the divorce rate, etc.

Answer 7

This issue needs to be brought up to the parents of the US. Children are not being raised right. The problem is in the home, and the home is where it will have to change. But I agree, it is a very big problem.

Answer 8

I for one dont believe it's a problem for our government to solve.

I think that the problem stems from,as you stated, a lack of parental guidance.

Since most women work now,actually have to to afford a decent quality of life on one hand they lose the connection with their kids.

That an wouldn't it be nice if you had to pass a parenting course to have children. Letting your child run the streets is just asking for trouble.

I made sure what my daughter was doing and with whom at all times.

I made sure my daughter had values and morals.

We didn't always go to church but we always acknowledged a higher being.

Alot goes into this. One could write a book,but unfortunately the ones who need it wouldnt read it.

Answer 9

This generation is really heart breaking. Most probably, the youth of today are misguided or missed the special attention of their parents because they're too busy with their works. Also, most probably, the subject about good manners and right conduct was deleted from the school curriculum.
Oh, GOD BLESS THE CHILDREN. AMEN.

Answer 10

I have three teen boys...and there peers are getting into so much trouble. The children today, just don't have respect or an appreciation for responsibility. We are fortunate that our boys are doing so well...and we are very open about everything in our home. When they go out, they know what is expected. Who are you with, where will you be and what is the phone number...?