PastorD's Blog

There have been a few blogs on this terrible trend of pack mentality violence in young people.  Broadcasters in all venues seem to be happy to focus on the violence itself, rather than educating the public on why this is happening and how to thwart the spread of this vile condition across America.

First, let me say, that these internet providers such as MySpace and YouTube set an unmoral and unethical standard by allowing and instigating such voyeurism, which leads to a fascination and perpetuates participation by young people.

  Some may bring the freedom factor in, but when your talking about behavior that "Breaks The Law" and involves people under the age of 18, I don't think you can just put your hands up in the air and claim no responsibility or accountability.  I'm not big on more laws, but the internet has put us in the state of "The Wild West"!  Unfortunately, it has now crossed into the real world.  How sad....... 

There are a lot of ways to thwart this trend.  The question is, are people willing to stand up and do whats right in a wrong world.

1.  Internet providers need to be accountable for the content on their web sites.

2.  Parents MUST review the web sites their kids are particpating on.  Absolutely NO EXCETIONS.

3.  There is not enough discussion going on in the family unit in regards to "Keys to kindness and empathy for others".

Parents need to use everyday examples to stimulate thoughts and feelings in young people.  Make a point  to ask your kid what they think , have they experienced it , how did they feel when they saw someone else encounter it. If kids don't have empathy for others THEY will not be able to separate themselves from the aggressive, mean behavior they see.

4.  MAKE your kids participate in activities that reflect kindness and empathy.  That will probably require your time as well, but this is a key point.  When kids are involved with good things and witness their parents participation in it, it will instill a firm value that they seldom loose. Some options to consider are:

Volunteer as a youth counselor - Participate in community clean up - Participate in programs that center around learning about animals and conservation (If they are kind to animals they will be kind to people).

Even if they are not in a National Honors Society Club (academics) MAKE them accountable for a certain amount of community work hours.

Habitat for humanity - Food pantries at a church - Have them fill paper bags with tooth brushes, soap and shampoo for abused womans shelters - Feed the homeless (I'm telling you this is a good one, this experience is FAR better than any words).

These are just some things I have implemented with the kids in my youth group as well as my own daughter.  I hope this helps someone out there.............