by Tiffany's Perspective

Created on: August 04, 2009   Last Updated: August 06, 2009

There are a myriad of problems facing the youth today. For starters there is the issue of drugs that are becoming more and more readily available to young people. Children are getting involved in drugs (be it illegal or otherwise) as young as elementary school. There are also the "cool" older siblings that find it amusing to watch their younger siblings get high, then there are the kids at school that other children want so badly to fit in with that they will do almost anything. Let's not forget the irresponsible parents doing drugs in front of their children pretending that it's no big deal.

To be part of the "in crowd" is a highly coveted social position for today's youth. It is a position that many of them would give up their morals and even their health for.

Another societal problem that our youth are facing is the prevalence of pornography. Now a days, you see pornography almost every where you look, It's in the movies and all over TV and advertising campaigns everywhere. Kids share pictures and magazines at school of women and men displaying their bodies shamelessly for the world to see. Another alarming trend is that of youth taking pictures of their private parts with their cell phones and sending them to friends.

The effects of pornography on children is long-term. It can greatly effect their self-esteem when they view pictures of people with slender and often coveted figures. It can also effect the way a young man treats his female counterpart. The viewing of pornography can lead to an individual treating others as merely objects to achieve their own selfish sexual gratification.

Another issue that is plaguing our young people today is that of bullying. It can come in many forms (in person, over the phone, over the Internet) but every one of them can have harmful effects. In recent years, many young people have even committed suicide after being bullied. It is harmful to a person's self-esteem to be mocked and taunted. For those who already suffer with low self-esteem it can be devastating.

Lastly, let's take a look at the modern family unit. Mothers and fathers both work leaving kids home alone to get into trouble. All members of the family are busy and usually grab food on the go instead of eating as a family and strengthening those relationships. Especially at a young age, it is vitally important for parents to be there for their children and to build strong relationships with them. Believe it or not, young people do look up to their role models, so the more time they spend with parents who are a good example, the better.

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