The answer to the above question may be-their senses. The most recent survey of teen attitudes was conducted for the Horatio Alger Association and published in Parade Magazine on August 18th. Just under 1,000 teenagers from ages 13 through 17 participated in the survey; the overall results are encouraging.
Divided into three sections, the first chart displays “the one thing teens want most from life.” Although the respondents might have thought that a number of the choices were important, they could only list one. Happiness was the first choice with 28% followed by long, enjoyable life at 16% (all the information may be found on page 5). Now admittedly, these may sound a bit on the selfish side, but adults’ answers would probably not be appreciably different.
Marriage and family came in third at 9%, followed closely by financial success, career success, and religious satisfaction-all at 8%. What is ironic, of course, is that doing the will of God is what brings happiness; but many do not yet realize that fact. But isn’t it amazing that such a large percentage of young people listed religion as their first priority?
Love was next at 7% (where have all the romantics gone?), followed by personal success (6%) and an assortment of other items at 2% or less. Oddly enough, education was one of these. For such a high priority item in various government budgets, one would think education would rank just a little bit higher (or is there something lacking in our current system)?
The second question also elicited interesting responses from these teenagers in that they are a fairly accurate assessment of the way the world is. They were asked, “What’s the Single Worst Influence Facing Teens Today?” The number one problem cited (21%) was DRUGS. Coincidentally, just three days prior to this survey The Dallas Morning News ran an article headlined “Teen Drug Use Has Doubled Since ’92, U.S. Survey to Report” (6A), from which come the following excerpts.
Twice as many teenagers used illegal drugs during 1995 as in 1992, as consumption of marijuana, cocaine, and hallucinogens such as LSD saw “significant increases” in the past year, the survey found. The preliminary report from the Department of Health and Human Services. . . shows a continuing increase in youthful drug use since its low point in 1992 (A6).
Prior to either one of these articles Reader’s Digest throughout this year had been informing its subscribers about the revival of drug use. In February they published “Drugs are Back Big Time” (71-76); March’s contribution was “How to Drug-Proof Your Child” (153-60); in May they focused on the new craze called “huffing” (131-35), from which some have actually died; but they led off the year with an expose about the enormous supply of drugs coming through our borders due to the relaxed controls of our current President and his administration (53-59). [Don’t forget that Joycelyn Elders, the former Surgeon General, argued in favor of studies legalizing drugs after her son was convicted of illegal possession.]
In second place as the “worst influence” young people selected PEER PRESSURE (20%). Teenagers may know more about the public school system than many adults, a few teachers, and nearly any of the NEA hierarchy. The influence toward evil is greatest at the very time that some are least able to resist the pressure. Teachers lack omniscience to know all of the things that are going on and could not possibly straighten out every situation even if they did know. Christian education and home schooling are alternatives well worth considering.
The next three categories were cited as the worst influence by 12% of the teens surveyed: sex and poor morals, violence, and gangs. The emphasis on morality may be due to the fact that 51% said they attend religious services regularly. In another part of the survey only 40% agreed that premarital sex is okay. With all of the influences from the entertainment media, one would think this percentage would be much higher. The down side to this statistic is that 61% thought that condoms should be available in schools. Hmm. Only 40% think premarital sex is okay, but 61% want protection (just in case they change their minds?).
It’s not surprising that violence and gangs rate highly for many as the worst influence. Once again, peer pressure could well be a factor in this statistic. How many have become part of a gang and goaded into committing violent acts when they didn’t really want to (but it was expected of them)? Apparently, it will take more than “midnight basketball” to fix this problem.
Rounding out this list are crime (4%), alcohol (3%), and television (3%). Crime may be related to the other bad influences of gangs and violence. Alcohol has been a perennial blight in the lives of high school (and then college) students. Unfortunately, there are thousands of teens who become alcoholics before (or even if) they can even graduate. Television must have been singled out because of the influence it has on the morality of this nation’s youth.
Teens’ Views on Contemporary Issues
The third table appearing in the Parade article contains their views on families, schools, social concerns, and government. The most surprising statistic (in view of what is generally taught in many schools) is that only 48% agreed that “abortion should remain legal.” This is incredible! Perhaps the battle is not over yet. Even though we are in our 23rd year of Roe vs. Wade, many people now recognize that “the fetus” is human life. Perhaps our President’s signing of the “Partial Term Abortion” Bill has caused many to wake up-at last. This grisly method of murder may be revoked soon. It lacks the support of the general population and is generally backed by strident feminists who honor “freedom” above human life.
Another good result in the survey is that only 25% think that marijuana should be legalized. Since drugs use was considered the worst influence, it is not surprising that so few are in favor of their legalization. In fact, one wonders if there would not be a higher percentage of adults desirous of decriminalization.
The teens’ views on government are instructive: 79% think that government corruption and dishonesty are widespread. How sad to hold such a jaded view of the nation’s leaders. [And yet at the same time we are told that “character doesn’t matter.”] Of course, there was that check-kiting scandal in the House. And it is true that those close to the President have been convicted recently of various crimes. “Well, that’s just politics,” some would cluck. Yes, and we can see the effect on our nation’s young people. Respect and public trust for our nation’s leaders need to be restored.
Though the overall results of this survey are good, there are two responses that are frightening. An overwhelming 83% agree that government spending on AIDS research should be increased. One would like to ask if those surveyed know how much is currently being spent, and for how many years such amounts have been spent. Likewise, are these young people not aware that AIDS is PREVENTABLE through proper behavior? Exactly where has the idea come that the government needs to spend more money? The premise seems to be that AIDS could be cured if the government would just spend more money. Instead of millions, let there be billions spent. And if that’s not enough, let’s go for trillions. If we just keep throwing money at it, maybe we’ll find a solution. Money can’t solve every problem; but in this case a change of behavior can!
Equally disturbing is that 81% agreed that “adequate health care for all should be provided through a national health plan.” Do these young people have any concept of what such a “plan” would entail (the government taking over 1/7th of the nation’s economy), or does this just sound like a good idea? Those in countries where such systems have been tried will not hesitate to pronounce such plans as “failures.” Are these teens aware that when “government” pays for something, that means that citizens pay for it?
The Bible does not teach that governments were instituted for such purposes as these. They are authorized to provide a national defense, to punish evildoers (Rom. 13:1-7), to build and maintain roads, and to do works of a similar nature.
Brethren, what are your children being taught in school and at home? How much peer pressure do they face at school? Are gangs, violence, and drugs part of their environment? May God grant all of us wisdom and strength to deal with today’s influences.