In recent months, much attention has been given to the issue of bullying in schools. The most prominent case occurred in Massachusetts where nine teens were charged in connection with the suicidal death of a 15-year-old fellow student who reportedly endured weeks of bullying.

Bullying is certainly not the only troubling issue facing today's youth. Hardly a week goes by without reports of other abhorrent events, mystifying adults who attempt to pick up the pieces with tedious scrutiny, in an often futile attempt to forgo repeat episodes.

Many views are expressed regarding the cause of such actions and how future occurrences can be prevented. These events can often become a rallying cry for the cause of Christian education, a cause which I strongly support.

Christian education can certainly play a major role in changing these disturbing trends. Ultimately, we know the root cause is the depravity of man, and the only true answer is the redemptive power of Christ. There is no greater place than a Christian school for youth to learn and apply these truths to their lives

At the same time, we must be cautious in not naively assuming our youth do not also face underlying issues in their lives. After reading Chap Clark's book Hurt-Inside the World of Today's Teenagers, I have come to realize the problem of "abandonment" may be a major contributing factor to the troubles facing our youth.

When speaking of abandonment, we generally think in terms of parents abandoning their children. In this context, it goes far beyond this connotation into a much wider realm involving the majority of the adult population.

Clark presents a compelling case for the cause of abandonment. His book is based on an ethnographic study he compiled while serving several months as a substitute teacher in a public school. In line with the definition of an ethnographer, Mr. Clark lived among the students, participated in their everyday lives,  and cultivated close relationships with them while conducting his research. His research led him to conclude that "systemic abandonment by institutions and adults who are in positions originally designed to take care of adolescents has created a culture of isolation."

He details the history of the term "adolescent" and claims it is a product of twentieth century western culture. Prior to this time, there were only two major stages in life: childhood and adulthood. Children were expected to accept the mature position of adulthood much earlier than now. Adults, as well, were much more child-centered and less self-focused, walking with the children as they entered into adulthood.

With the emergence of the adolescent stage, adults began developing programs originally designed to enrich the lives of adolescents. As time progressed and programs evolved, what was originally designed for enrichment instead evolved into an ever-increasing pressure cooker in which "even very young children learn they are only as valuable as their ability to contribute."

Clark asserts that many of the today's adolescents bear the burdens of undue pressures placed upon them largely by adults. He stated, "By the time adolescents enter high school, nearly every one has been subjected to a decade or more of adult driven and adult controlled programs, systems and institutions that are primarily concerned with adult's agendas, needs and dreams." He solidifies this statement by giving such examples as fist fights between parents erupting during tee ball games, families traveling over Thanksgiving weekend to peewee football national championships so their boys can have "the opportunity of a lifetime," and of high school students weighed down with homework while participating in numerous after school activities.

My purpose is not to give a book review but to encourage you to take a deeper look into the world in which your students live. Even though they may be surrounded by Godly parents and be actively involved in their church and your school, it does not mean they are not affected by the damaging effects of abandonment.

I encourage you to add this book to your summer reading list.  While you may not agree with all of the contents, I am certain you will be challenged to view your students from a different perspective.

If you are interested in receiving a complimentary copy and sharing your thoughts after reading it, just submit your request. Please understand there are only a limited number available, so respond as quickly as possible.

May your summer be blessed with rest, relaxation, and a renewed vision to reach this generation for Christ.

Roy Faletti
Vice President of Educational Services