Wake-up Parents

At the start of my journalism classes, my students are required to respond to prompts in a journal. The prompts require them to think, develop an opinion, defend their opinion with examples, and explain their opinions to others in the class. The point is for them to develop critical thinking skills and to improve their ability to communicate in written and verbal form.

Like most young people their age, they are sure their parents don't understand them and haven't experienced their difficulties and pressures. Despite my assurances that the pressures to engage in drugs, alcohol and sex have existed for generations, they are positive that things are much different now.

And in one significant way, things are very different. These kids are on screens (television, computer, facebook, texting, gaming) of one sort or another 24/7, and it is taking its toll. The younger ones no longer get outside to play so they are growing fatter and less able to socialize. The older ones don't read any more and neglect their school work.

One of my students told me that she had been grounded from the computer, the phone and the television, and she was "shocked" at what she was able to accomplish. She even picked up a book to read "for pleasure" an old-fashioned term, I know, and an alien concept for most kids today.

Each class of students I teach now knows less and less about everything--history, current events, the political and social arenas and the English language. They think and communicate in sound bytes and abbrievations.

How do we solve the problem? Well, the first step is really easy. Begin with turning off the knobs and switches. Parents...you are in charge. Limit the time your kids spend on screens. Require that they do their homework, get outside for fresh air, eat dinner with the family and discuss important issues, and read.

You will be giving your kids a precious gift and even they will begin to see the value and appreciate what you're doing for them.