How to Keep Teens on the Straight and Narrow: It is Their Responsibility, Too.

Professional, positive, pro-active educators help keep teens on the straight and narrow. This is a continually growing, global concern that presents a conundrum of possibilities and concerns.  What does to keep teens on the straight and narrow mean?

Freedictinary.com suggests that the straight and narrow refers to the “the way of proper conduct and moral integrity” or “the proper, honest, and moral path of behavior”.

This involves decision making regarding their lives and lifestyles. Some teens will try to make good decisions, while others go astray. 

Consider the following guidelines with respect to how to keep teens on the straight and narrow.

Whose responsibility is it to keep teens on the straight and narrow? Everyone bears a degree of responsibility when it comes to keeping teens on the straight and narrow. Initially, it is the responsibility of parents, grandparents, other family members and guardians. Siblings and peers play an important role, as well. The responsibility does not end there.

Who is influencing teens today in terms of keeping on the straight and narrow? Communities and educators bear a degree of responsibility for teens and have an influence on them. Teens are also subject to the influence of other individuals, couples, families and communities. This can determine the course of their lives, their families, as well as that of others. 

There are increasing global influences because of the Internet. Mass media presents different life style alternatives for teens. Ultimately, it is up to them to make the right decisions.

Why are role models so important for teens? Teens observe role models and decide whether their words, actions or deeds are ones they can or should adhere to or follow. Their initial role models are their parents. Parents who set a good example for their teens by walking the straight and narrow in their own lives, are not always be followed by their teens, particularly if the teens rebel, but the once the seed of the straight and narrow has been planted, it will come to fruition. Sometimes, it takes many years.

Is teaching the straight and narrow to teens important? Teaching teens to adhere to the straight and narrow is vital to their survival and success in life. Both parents and teachers can be wonderful role models who guide teens in terms of academic success and potential lifestyle choices. Parents can only teach teens so much.

Consider this statement: “I have taught you everything I can, son (daughter), and now it is up to you to make your own decisions. Be aware that there are consequences that result from decisions. I will not always be there to rescue you if you make bad decisions, but you can always turn to me.”

Loving, caring and compassionate parents and teachers try to teach teens to make the best possible decisions. Not all teenagers go astray, but some teens refuse to walk the straight and narrow, want more excitement not realizing the consequences they suffer in the end. The straight and narrow is not always an easy path for teens, as peer pressure can be tremendous.

Adherence to the straight and narrow does have distinct advantages. There are opportunities that await those who choose to walk wisely in their teen years and later. These opportunities are not necessarily available to those who choose to go astray as teens. For them, it can be a long road back.    

Ultimately, keeping teens on the straight and narrow is their own responsibility too, as their life choices are theirs to make.