Teaching teens morals and values keeps them from making poor decisions. Within the United States, 1/3 of all teen girls will become pregnant, 1 in 4 will contract a sexually transmitted disease, millions will turn to drugs and alcohol, and more and more are becoming violent. These alarming statistics don't only suggest that more emphasis needs to be placed on teaching teens morals and values, but demands it for the safety of our children and our nation. Additionally, teaching morals and values to teens instills in them the desirable principles in character that society considers worthwhile. Without strong character and moral conviction, teens cannot build self-esteem, experience social and emotional growth, or learn to take responsibility for their actions.
The most effective way to teach teens morals and values is by example. Teens need a structured family environment, where they learn to be honest, healthy, moral, and safe by watching others. One study shows that only 2% of teens who smoke come from parents who do not. This suggests that while teens may not always listen to their parents, they are paying close attention to the examples that are being set. Eliminating harmful examples to your teens is important. It is recommended to restrict the types of movies they are permitted to watch, and discourage them from making friends who have values that are questionable.
In addition to setting a powerful example, creating and using teachable moments can have a large impact on the way teens develop their character. Know your beliefs and share them. Family time can include a structured lesson plan that opens the floor to discuss important moral issues. Plus, as things come up in daily life, they should be used as teaching opportunities. For example, if a young girl in your teens school has become pregnant, talk about the issue and consequences of teen pregnancy with your teen. Discuss the struggle that the girl must go through and how it will affect her life and the babies. Some of the best teaching moments aren't planned, but happen unexpectedly. If you commit to teaching values and morals to your teens, you will make and find opportunities to do so on a regular basis.
