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Kids These Days: What Americans Really Think About the Next Generation

NCJ Number
170434
Author(s)
S Farkas; J Johnson; A Duffett; A Bers
Date Published
1997
Length
50 pages
Annotation
This study reports the major findings of a survey to determine how Americans regard young people.
Abstract
Public Agenda surveyed the general public, as well as groups of African American, Hispanic, and white parents, regarding their views of young people. The study also included focus groups in New Jersey, Colorado and California, and a shorter survey of youngsters between ages 12 and 17. Almost three-quarters of the people surveyed think that young people with a poor education, poor job prospects, and problematic values pose a greater danger to the United States than any threat from abroad. Specific findings include: (1) Adolescents are undisciplined, disrespectful, unfriendly, irresponsible, and lack moral values; (2) Even young children are mindlessly acquisitive and are overindulged; (3) Only 22 percent of Americans claim it is very common to find parents who are good role models for their kids; (4) It is much more difficult than ever before to be a parent; (5) Most Americans are optimistic about the chances of reclaiming the lives of even the most troubled teens; (6) Parents' efforts, not government programs, are the key to improving the health and economic circumstances of young people; (7) Schools should reinforce values; (8) Parents need help to find more time for their children; and (9) Although Americans say all the right things about helping, only 34 percent claim to regularly participate in volunteer groups that do charity work or provide community service. Figures, tables, notes, references

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