He owns a ceremonial dagger which he uses to perform self-mutilation rituals. It's a way of testing yourself by going through the rituals. Whether he's full of teen bravado, a search for spiritual meaning or on a power trip, Colin certainly got his parents' attention. I think he's doing it because it drives me crazy. He dresses in the Goth look and we have given him ultimatums to get a new wardrobe.
Sociologists say teen rebellion is a part of what draws some teenagers to satanic cults.
Some are experimenters looking for something different. This leaves many parents worried about what's happening to teenagers who get involved in satanism, cults, Goth or who listen to dark music by Marilyn Manson, Korn, Iron Maiden and Cradle of Filth. Parents are concerned the inherent violence in these subcultures is turning their darling children into little monsters who sacrifice animals and small children. Also a concern is how easily teens can access information on the Internet. Web sites and chatlines bring teenagers in contact with people they'd not know otherwise.