Humanity report card on self control: F-

Not long ago we heard news about a group of teens stoning a school bus full of young Jewish students, in New York.

Today I read about a Mexican immigrant who was killed by a group of teens in Pennsylvania.

There has been a rash of graffiti, noose hangings, cross burning and anti-gay hate incidents throughout our country.

One must feel distressed over what type of parents are raising these children? Some would say it's high time the parents were held responsible for their children's actions.

[Gail Ann]

Yes, parents have a large impact on kids. But psychological research says that most teenagers are more influenced by their peer group than by their parents. As parents we like to believe that the values we teach our children are the ones they will live by through adolescence and beyond but sometimes hormones and the peer group trump all the good lessons they have been taught.

[devons]

To a certain degree I agree with you. On the other hand if a child feels unconditional love and is taught from an early age that the parents will listen to the child the child is less likely to lash out in a manner that hurts others.

I'm not sure some parents are listening they are just barking orders and expecting the child to turn their back on those that are listening.