But unfortunately that isn't happening. In the school shooting at Santee High School, Andy Williams's friends were talking with him about shooting other classmates while in the presence of an adult. For a class project at Columbine High School, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold showed a homemade video that included the boys using guns to kill people. In both cases, the adults present were not proactive. Even the best, most caring parents can't protect their teenagers from all problems, but involved parents can make an enormous difference.
Kids do listen.
And they do want someone to set limits. Remember that teens have mixed feelings about limits. While they recoil at the thought of limits on their actions and behavior, spouting their claim to have the maturity necessary to make the right choices for themselves, teens feel quietly reassured when parents step in and let them know what is expected of them. More teens are delaying sex, and those who are sexually active are more likely to use contraceptives than their counterparts a few years ago. If we're in trouble, you should read our letters, check our closets, and check our friends.