I agree with most of what you all have said but also disagree with other things. Obviously it's ultimately up to the child how they act but I also lay the blame on the parents.

Parents need to lead by example not just give them "the talk." Although my fathers talk was more than enough for me. "Son, if you do drugs or smoke, I'll kick your a$$. If you drink, be smart, and if you drive I'll kick your a$$. If you get her pregnant I'm not paying a thing and you can kiss your dream of becoming an Air Force pilot goodbye, any questions?" That was more than enough for me because I respected my parents and my biggest fear, was and still is, disappointing my parents. I am who I am today because my parents cared enough to take the time to raise us kids right.

As far as peer pressure, I call bull ****, I never did a thing I didn't want to do, whether it was cool or not. If your friends are "true" friends then they will accept you and move on, if not you need move on, there are plenty of other people out there (from a kid who graduated with 37 kids). I chose not to drink or smoke in high school, did I get crap for it? Sure but I'm not about to let my friends define who I am! If there is one thing I will pass on to my children when I have them this would be it. Most of those "cool" kids from high school can be found in the same place years later. Still doing the same thing they were doing in high school, probably still talking about high school because those were the best years of their life.

As far as kids not working, I don't think they should work all that much in high school. I was lucky my dad didn't want me working at all during high school. He worked a factory job on the night shift his junior and senior years and says he missed alot of growing up. He didn't want me to make that same mistake. I just worked the summers on the farms because I hated asking for money. But I believe they should work for what they get, especially during college. Kids that work for the things tend to appreciate them more.

As far as the parents not accepting what the teachers are saying about their child, I agree that is a huge problem. Parents need to realize that their children are not the little angels they see, all the time. Think back to your childhood and the crap that you pulled. It's part of growing up, but hold them accountable for their actions.

As far as the media, again...I call bull. Growing up in the 90's we were more exposed to that crap more than most. Again if you let stuff like that define who you are, I think you have some serious soul searching to do.

This all from young naive eyes, I know I still have alot of growing up to do but this is what I have learned so far.