Bobby became one of scores of teens whose copycat suicides made headlines in the United States and as far away as France and Turkey. I spoke with Bobby s father, Bob Steele, and asked what advice he would give to parents. I m 47 years old. I had no idea that music could influence people to do something like commit suicide. For every Joseph Fiorella, Jacob Delashmutt, Royce Cayse or Bobby Steele, thousands more are having their values subtly fashioned through music, movies, television and video games.
Christian teens are no more exempt than their non-Christian peers.
Find out what they like to watch and listen to, and try to understand why. Keep in mind, it s not just the heavy music and R-rated movies that are bombarding them with messages hostile to their faith. Set a family standard regarding what s in bounds and what s out. Don t assume your teen lives by Christ-honoring principles regarding entertainment if you haven t discussed them lately. Find and discuss Christ-honoring music with your teens.