Yes, they had tried - and failed. This scenario could be reenacted multiple times involving our Christian school graduates and dropouts. One possible reason is that all too often our children develop moral values based on passively accepted taboos rather than personally acquired convictions. Most of the time the child complies, and we feel the struggle is over. This a hollow hope.
Convictions are altogether different.
Taboos fear reason. They seek simple, glib solutions to complex problems. They tolerate no analysis or discussion. Taboos are satisfied with outward compliance. Convictions are developed to help us practice holiness and godliness in the midst of a depraved and ungodly society.