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KIDS THESE DAYS:
WHAT AMERICANS REALLY THINK ABOUT
THE NEXT GENERATION
Ad
A Report from Public Agenda
buncil
Funding for this project was provided by
Ronald McDonald House Charities.
© 1997 Public Agenda
Unauthorized duplication of this report is a violation of copyright.
Design and layout: Mary Armour
ISBN: 1-889483-46-X
KIDS THESE DAYS:
WHAT AMERICANS REALLY THINK ABOUT
THE NEXT GENERATION
A Report from Public Agenda
By Steve Farkas and Jean Johnson
With Ann Duffett and Ali Bers
Consulting Editor: Chris Perry
ABOUT PUBLIC AGENDA
Founded in 1975 by social scientist and author Daniel Yankelovich and former Secretary of State Cyrus Vance.
Public Agenda works to help average citizens better understand critical policy issues and to help the nation's
leaders better understand the public's point of view. Public Agenda's in-depth research on how citizens think
about policy forms the basis for extensive citizen education work. Its citizen education materials. used by the
National Issues Forums and media outlets across the country. have won praise for their credibility and fairness
from elected officials from both political parties and from experts and decision-makers across the political
spectrum
ABOUT COMMITMENT 2000
The Advertising Council. the largest source of public service advertising in the nation. has made a 10-year
commitment to focus the majority of its resources on developing campaigns which improve the circumstances of
children in this country As part of Commitment 2000: Raising a Better Tomorrow. the Council will develop
hundreds of ads on a variety of different topics which will benefit children.
ABOUT RONALD McDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES
RMHC has made a $100 million commitment over the next five years to fund programs that provide comfort and
care to children and families. RMHC will use this important research to help guide its giving. and It will be
shared with people and organizations on the frontlines advocating for at-risk children. including national and
grassroots philanthropic organizations. as well as community and church leaders.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors of Kids Tin Days would like to thank the following people for their support and assistance during
the preparation of this report:
t.. Know and lames Orites. Chair and Vice Chair of The Advertising Council's Board of Directors. and Ruth
However: of the AJ Council. who are leading the way to address the issue of how our nation cares for its
young people
Annu Varia Cagitari. F... Kasten. and Susan Rover. also of the Ad Council. who have made this project a reality
with their clear vision and dedication.
Ronald 1/. Donald House Charities for their willingness to support this research and their belief in our work.
Joan Imme main Senior Research Fellow at Public Agenda and Professor of Philosophy at Villanova University.
whose initial work continually informed the research: Robert Y. Shapiro. Professor of Political Science at
Columbia University. who always seems to be there with guidance - both practical and intellectual: and David
Park also of Columbia University. who provided timely and invaluable assistance.
Public Agenda's Communications Director-Margaret Dunning. who along with Vinny Calabrese. skillfully
brings our work to the attention of a broad audience.
Our Public Agenda colleagues-Nancy Beiles. Michael Buryk. Caroline Corbin. Will Friedman. Michael
deCourcy Hinds. Kathie Johnson. Zarela Maldonado, Keith Melville. Janet Polokoff. Alex Trilling. and David
White-who are always willing to lend their good humor. support. knowledge. and creativity.
Deborah Wadsworth. Public Agenda's Executive Director. who continues to guide all of this organization's work
with her keen insight. judgment. and enthusiasm.
Daniel Yankelovich. whose thinking on public opinion provides the intellectual backbone of Public
Agenda's work.
4
©
1997 Public Agenda
Table of Contents
Introduction
7
Finding One: The Moral Meltdown
8
Finding Two: It's Not Just Teens
11
Finding Three: Careless Parents
13
Finding Four: Mitigating Circumstances
16
Finding Five: Never Give Up
19
Finding Six: Solutions That Miss The Mark
21
Finding Seven: Solutions That Show Promise
23
Finding Eight: Will Individual Americans Help?
25
Special Focus: African American. Hispanic. And White Parents
29
Special Focus: What Kids Have To Say
32
Afterword by Deborah Wadsworth
36
Supporting Tables
37
Endnotes
48
Methodology
49
Related Public Agenda Publications
50
KIDS THESE DAYS. What Americans Really Think About The Next Generation
5
INTRODUCTION
A recent survey by Princeton Survey Research
To our knowledge. Public Agenda's research is the
Associates showed that almost three-quarters of the
most wide-ranging and in-depth examination of
American people think that young people with a poor
Americans' views on this issue conducted in recent
education. poor job prospects. and problematic values
years. It was underwritten by Ronald McDonald
now pose a greater danger to the United States than
House Charities and conducted on behalf of The
any threat from abroad. Thankfully. the end of the
Advertising Council. both organizations having com-
Cold War has far reduced public fears of foreign ene-
mitted themselves to ambi-
mies. so it is hardly surprising to find people focused
tious and sustained efforts to
so definitively on a domestic concern. But the image
improve the lives of children.
Americans from around
evoked by this finding is somehow disturbing. Are
Ronald McDonald House
the country, from different
Americans really afraid of the next generation? Do
Charities will use findings
walks of life, from differ-
they really see the country's young people - or some
from the Public Agenda study
ent racial and ethnic
group of them at least - as "the enemy within?"
to guide its $100 million com-
groups, with children and
mitment in giving to chil-
without them, are in
Plenty Of Symptoms
dren's programs. The
ample agreement on what
Advertising Council will do
could be done.
Grousing about the next generation. of course. is a
likewise as it launches a
time-honored activity among older citizens. and sur-
decade-long effort to mobilize
veys have captured public concern about teenagers in
citizens to volunteer in their own communities in
particular for decades.- However. the complaints of
efforts on behalf of children and teens.
adults are not the only sign that all is not well among
the nation's young. Drug use is on the rise among
A
Specific And Clear Message
adolescents. Teen suicide has increased. One in five of
the nation's children live in poverty. About 1 in 3
But the implications of this research are far broader.
American children do not live in an intact two-parent
As we describe in detail in the following pages. the
household. Half the country's public high school stu-
public has a quite specific analysis of what troubles
dents say drugs and violence are serious problems
the nation's youth and a surprisingly clear set of rec-
where they go to school. Seven in ten say cheating on
ommendations. The findings show a public that is
tests and assignments IS commonplace.3
anguished about our young people but not bereft of
ideas about how to help them. Americans see the
There are many indicators that something is wrong.
potential for solutions in the public schools. law
Political leaders. along with liberal and conservative
enforcement. community groups. religious bodies.
advocates. have offered competing diagnoses and
charitable activities. and - albeit much less hopefully
solutions. But how do typical Americans think about
- government and the media. What's more. there is a
and define the problems facing the country's children
widely-shared - and strongly-felt - definition of the
and teens? What. if anything. do most Americans
problem. Americans from around the country. from
think can be done to improve the condition and
different walks of life, from different racial and ethnic
prospects for the nation's youth?
groups. with children and without them. are in ample
agreement on what could and should be done.
The Public Agenda Study
As an opinion research organization. Public Agenda is
To find out. Public Agenda, a nonprofit research and
continually interested, even fascinated. by Americans
education group based in New York. conducted an in-
views on the challenges facing today's world, What
depth study of the views of the general public. along
Americans have to say about the nation's children and
with those of African American. Hispanic, and white
youth. we are con inced, is more than merely interest-
parents. The study also included focus groups in New
ing. Kids These Duys charts a course for designing
Jersey. Colorado. and California and a shorter survey
public and private policies and programs for children
of youngsters themselves - those between the ages
that can win broad public support. More important.
of 12 and 17. (For more details on how the research
this study - if opinion leaders will listen carefully -
was conducted. see the Methodology section.) Kids
offers the key to rebuilding Americans' confidence in
These Davs is our report on the major findings from
the future.
this research.
KIDS THESE DAYS: What Americans Really Think About The Next Generation
7
FINDING ONE: The Moral Meltdown
Americans are convinced that today's adolescents face a crisis - not in their economic or physical
well-being but in their values and morals. Most Americans look at today's teenagers with
misgiving and trepidation. viewing them as undisciplined. disrespectful. and unfriendly.
Ask Americans to pick one overriding national con-
Rude, Irresponsible, And Wild
cern. and the chances are good they will pick kids.
More than half of Americans surveyed by Public
When asked what first comes to their minds when
Agenda (52%) think that helping youngsters get a
they think about today's teenagers. two-thirds of
good start in life ought to be society's most important
Americans (67%) immediately reach for negative
goal. even considering such competing priorities as
adjectives such as "rude." "irresponsible." and "wild."
protecting citizens from crime (18%) and creating
Another 16% point to social problems teens face.
more jobs (16%).
such as lack of guidance. Only a handful (12%)
describe teens positively. using terms such as "smart"
The concern is not youngsters' health problems. safe-
or "helpful." These descriptions point to the automat-
IV. or poverty rates. Rather. Americans are deeply
ic, almost invisible evaluations people commonly
troubled by the character and values exhibited by
make about teenagers. Are they polite or rude?
young people today More than 6 in 10 adults (61%)
Conscientious or irresponsible? Are they behaving
think that youngsters failure to learn such values as
themselves or are they acting out? Are they neat or
honesty. respect. and responsibility is a very serious
sloppy? Most people seem to have made up their
problem. And almost half (49%) believe the same
minds. and the answers are not good.
about fewer families teaching their youngsters reli-
gious faith and values. A
"By the time they are in high school. most of them are
Denver man summed up the
in trouble. They might not be in criminal trouble. but
1 as advocates worry
concern this way: "It all just
it children and teens
they are out aggravating the neighbors and raising
stems from respect. When I
hell in the streets." - New Jersey man
ving up with physical
grew up. you respected adults.
material deficits,
no matter who they were
"It seems like kids are more destructive non
ricans worry about
whether they were your moth-
There is anger inside of them." - Denver man
cits in character
er. your neighbor. the person
values.
down the block. If there was
Idle Hands
in adult. you respected them."
These initial impressions are far more than thought-
Many children's advocates fear that an aging society.
less. top-of-the-head reactions. In question after ques-
1 society that prizes independence and self-sufficien-
tion. Americans express dissatistaction with the
cy. has begun to care less about its young people.
demeanor and behavior of teenagers. Half say it's
They point to high rates of youth poverty and other
very common for teens to get into trouble because
indicators of deprivation and call on Americans to
they have too much free time. "Teenagers used to
back measures to improve youngsters' material well-
have chores to do. and they learned how to work."
being. This study shows - in finding after finding
said an Illinois man. "Teens today aren't being taught
across all demographic groups - that Americans are
how to work." Four in ten Americans (41%) say it's
intensely concerned about young people. but their
very common to find teenagers who have poor work
concerns center directly on youngsters' moral well-
habits and lack self-discipline.
being. Thus. even as advocates worry about children
and teens growing up with physical and material
For many adults. teen behavior is more than disap-
deficits. Americans worry about deficits in character
pointing: it can be intimidating. Three in ten say teens
and values.
who are "wild and disorderly in public" are very com-
mon. "I know older adults who are afraid when a
teenager walks past them." said a woman from
Washington state.
B
© 1997 Public Agenda
In focus groups for the study. there were rare compli-
ple with respect. Parents probably - hopefully -
mentary comments. I find most of the children in my
have more sympathetic and complimentary views of
area - teenagers. youngsters - to be terrific." recalled
their own teenagers. but they have little praise for the
one New Jersey man. "You open the door and the kids
other teens they come across.
are out there
I never have any problem. They are
very respectful." But very few Americans hold such
The Root-Cause: A Lack Of Values
favorable impressions: only about I in 8 12%) think it
IS very common for teens to treat people with respect
The public's widespread dis-
and be friendly or helpful toward their neighbors.
appointment with the charac-
The public believes values
ter of today's teens (including
are a vaccine: if you
To Know Them Is To Love Them!
their work ethic. behavior. and
inoculate teens with them,
sense of responsibility) has
they will be able to resist
These are harsh and sobering judgments. But are they
resulted in an intense focus
the world's many troubles
really judgments. or just vague impressions casually
- a virtual preoccupation -
and traps.
gathered from watching television or walking past the
on morals and values.
local school? Do people who regularly deal with
teenagers on a day-to-day basis have a different -
Why is the public so preoccupied with the character
perhaps more reliable - sense of how good or bad
and values of America's teen-agers? First and fore-
they are? To find out. respondents were asked if they
most. this focus reflects an over-arching public con-
personally had a lot of contact with teenagers (35%).
cern that extends to society as a whole. Asked to
some contact (27%). a little contact (30%). or no con-
choose between two causes for the problems facing
tact at all 18%
society today. 51% say they mainly stem from a
decline in moral values: only 37% attribute them to
A closer look at the survey results shows that people
economic and financial pressures on the family.4
who have regular contact with teens are as critical of
them as everyone else. if not more so. Two-thirds
Values and character are. for most people. the root-
(65%) of those with a lot of contact describe
cause explanation for why things go wrong or right
teenagers disapprov ingly. More than half (54%)
believe teens get into trouble because they have too
much time on their hands - versus 49% among those
CONTACT WITH TEENS
with little or no teen contact. And those who have a
lot of contact with teens are slightly more likely than
others to think they have poor work habits (45% ver-
How much contact would you say you have with
sus 38%
teenagers - a lot. some. only a little. or none at all?
Nor are people who have a lot of contact with teens
Not at all
more likely to think they treat others with respect -
14% say so. versus 11% among those with little or no
teen contact. Similarly. they're not more likely to
8"
view teens as friendly and helpful (14% versus 11%).
Thus. even those who have extensive experience with
teenagers are reluctant to sing their praises.
35%
A little
A lot
Even Parents Agree
One would expect the parents of teenagers to be most
likely to view teens in a positive light. but their judg-
ment is identical to that of everyone else. Forty-five
percent of parents who have teens at home say teens
get into trouble because they have too much time on
their hands; 43% say teens have poor work habits; 3
Some
in 10 say teens are wild and disorderly. Ask parents
about positive traits and again their responses echo
those of the general public. Only 12% say teens are
friendly and helpful. and only 9% say teens treat peo-
KIDS THESE DAYS. What Americans Really Think About The Next Generation
9
throughout society. For the public. values and charac-
It 15 the abilin 111 do right
If you have discipline
ter explain why some people give in to drugs and oth-
VOID can he polite. you can control your weight. you
er resist. why some people get stuck in welfare and
can learn. you can make it your jub to share and line
others climb out. why some people commit crime and
one another and not be selfish. We have forgotten the
others lead productive lives. The public believes val-
word when it comes to kids." - Illinois man
ues are a vaccine: if you inoculate teens with them.
they will be able to resist the world's many troubles
Thus. there seems to be a wide breach between
and traps. "You have got to instill values in them now
teenagers and adults. with adults looking at teens -
at home." said a New York mother. "So that when
preferably. in their minds. from a safe distance -
they go out in the street and somebody comes up to
with anxiety and disappointment. not at all certain
them and says. Hey. try some.' they say :No. I know
that this generation bodes well for their communities
what that does to you.
or for the country.
There is one word that keeps coming to my mind -
discipline. For some people it is a harsh word. but I
think " is one of the best words in the dictionary. It
doesn' mean you have to hurt anybody.
10
© 1997 Public Agenda
FINDING TWO: It's Not Just Teens
Public dissatistaction and disapproval extend beyond the nation's teenagers. Even young children are viewed
in a negative light. Many Americans think children are spoiled and out of control. not friendly. helpful. or
engaging. And people apply these criticisms to children across a broad economic spectrum. to children from
disadvantaged backgrounds as well as children from the middle and affluent classes.
This study would hardly break new ground if all it
spread. and often harsh. disapproval of children
reported were adult concerns over teenage behav
between 5 and 12 years old. For example. nearly half
After all. complaints that young people are sullen.
the public (48%) thinks It is very common for chil-
adrift. hard to understand. and unaccountably attract-
dren to be spoiled and not appreciate what they have.
ed to ugly music and even-uglier styles of dress are
hardly original with this generation. Does this bleak
When Americans complain about spoiled kids. they
view of America's youth simply reflect every genera-
seem to have two thoughts in mind. One is the notion
tion's "kids-these-days" complaint?
that children have become mindlessly acquisitive.
mini-consumers who demand - and get - electronic
Seven Going On Twenty-One
gadgets and designer clothes and sneakers. things they
have come to expect as a matter of right. "With all the
Public criticism is not limited to teenage behavior.
technology. kids always want more." remarked a
Americans have surprisingly harsh things to say even
weary father in Denver "It's I want. I want. I want."
about younger children. defined in this study as those
Americans increasingly sus-
older than 5 but not yet in their teens. When asked the
pect that a consumer ethic
first thing that comes to mind when describing
Children have become
among the middle class is dn-
today's children. 53% offer negative descriptions.
ving a never-ending chase of
mindlessly acquisitive,
with many people characterizing them as lacking dis-
mini-consumers who
"things" with the result that
cipline and being rude or spoiled. Only 23% of the
children are simply
demand and get -
respondents had positive things to say about children
overindulged.
electronic gadgets and
- that they were curious or enthusiastic. for example.
designer clothes and
These top-of-mind negative responses are uncomfort-
People also worry that when
sneakers, things they have
ably close to what people say about teens. "My
so much is available to chil-
come to expect as a mat-
daughter is wild. She IS 7 going on 21." said a
dren so easily. bad habits form
ter of right.
stressed Denver mother.
and the wrong values are con-
veyed. Three in ten Americans say children who are
In this study. some survey questions explicitly distin-
lazy and do not apply themselves are very common. A
guished children from teens in the expectation that
non-parent from New Jersey complained: "They have
public perceptions of the two would differ. And
no sense of values. I think that the more you give. the
Americans do make some distinctions. For example.
more they want."
nearly two-thirds (64%) say they find it easy to com-
municate with children. while only 43% say the same
Getting No Respect
about teens. Also. the majority describing children neg-
atively IS smaller than the majority that is critical of
Another major shortcoming adults see in today's chil-
teens (53% versus 67%). Finally. people in the focus
dren is how they behave in public and how they relate
groups were less likely to express a fear of children.
to adults. Only 12% find it very common for children
to treat people with respect. while only 17% consider
But that only amounts to saying that the good news is
it usual for children to be friendly and helpful toward
that the bad news could be worse. "Children are doing
their neighbors. About 3 in 10 Americans (31%) say
better than teens." said an Iowa woman. "because they
it's very common for children to be out of control in
don't have the wherewithal or the devices to be bad.
public areas such as restaurants or the movies. One
like adults or teens have. They don't have things like
frequently-expressed theme - particularly from par-
money. access. cars."
ents in focus groups - was the need for adult author-
ity. for setting limits and standards of behavior. "The
Children Who Have Too Much
problem today is that a lot of kids are not held
accountable for what they do, and there are no conse-
What is significant and perhaps surprising is that chil-
quences." said a Denver mother. "If you don't have
dren today do not inspire an instinctively positive
any consequences for your behavior, then you don't
feeling from adults. Instead. adults express wide-
learn anything."
KIDS THESE DAYS: What Americans Really Think About The Next Generation
11
The stakes are high. many adults believe. because if
Speaking From Experience
such problems are left to tester they will only become
more serious. "You have to train the younger kids
As was the case with teenagers. these perceptions
first." -aid a New Jersey man. "If you let them [get]
hold even among adults who have a lot of contact
out of control. as they get older. their problems get
with children (47%). Half of the adults in this catego-
bigger." There was also the sense in the focus groups
ry say that spoiled children are very common. about
that children are growing up faster and that the age of
the same percentage as those who have little or no
innocence IS shrinking. What's more. increased
contact with children (48%). People who have a lot of
sophistication is not often seen as a good thing.
contact with children are slightly more likely to
describe children as out of control (35% versus 28%).
"Children years ago could be children up to 14 or 15.
At the same time. they are also slightly more likely to
But today the kids who are 10 years old know what
describe children who are friendly and helpful to their
the average teenager did years ago
They grow
neighbors as very common (20% versus 14%).
up too tast. - New Jersey man
Nor are the parents of children aged 5 to 12. who pre-
Rich Kids, Poor Kids
sumably have the most contact with kids this age.
noticeably upbeat. In fact. they are as likely as the
The public's preoccupation with youngsters learning
general public to say that children this age are spoiled
the wrong values is applied widely. and not at all tar-
(44%), lazy (30%), or out of control (28%). And they
geted at children from
are not substantially more positive than the general
Only 37% of Americans
the "wrong side of the
public about whether children treat people with
believe that when
tracks." Those who
respect (14%) or are friendly and helpful (22%).
today's children grow
identified "kids failing
up, they will make
to learn such values as
this country a
honesty. respect. and
And The World Will Be A Better
better place.
responsibility" as a
Place?
very or somewhat seri-
ous problem were
The public's judgments are not entirely negative. For
asked whether this problem mostly affects youngsters
example. about 3 in 10 Americans (32%) think that
from lower-income families or is widespread. Nine in
bright and eager-to-learn children are very common in
10 (91%) say the failure to learn values is widespread:
our society. When Americans look at our nation's
only 85 say it mostly affects youngsters from disad-
children. however. they generally conclude that some-
vantaged backgrounds.
thing is wrong with the values they display and the
standards of behavior they exhibit.
Across history and across various cultures. people
HOW TODAY'S KIDS WILL
have often considered the next generation as the best
AFFECT AMERICA
hope for the future. But for Americans in the 1990s.
this bedrock belief seems to have been shaken to the
core. Doubts start with teenagers and carry over to
When today's children grow up. do you think they're
children: they apply to middle class kids as well as
likely to make America a better place. a worse place. or
the disadvantaged. It's no wonder that only 37% of
will they probably make little difference?
Americans believe that when today's children grow
up. they will make this country a better place: while
almost 6 in 10 (58%) believe children won't make a
Both/
difference. or will make it even worse. The traditional
Don't know
ideal of children as a source of renewal and hope has.
for the majority of the American public. been serious-
in
ly undermined.
37%
Little
37%
difference
Better place
Worse place
12
© 1997 Public Agenda
FINDING THREE: Careless Parents
Americans believe that parents are fundamentally responsible for the disappointing state of today's youth.
People say parents fail to teach youngsters right from wrong and pass on the values children need to learn in
order to become productive members of society. Too often. people say. today's parents have children before
they re ready: give them presents instead of guidance and attention: and fail to provide necessary discipline.
Even parents themselves from all income. ethnic. and racial backgrounds agree.
From the public's perspective. it IS impossible to discuss
Those who believe today's children and teens are
children and teenagers without discussing their parents.
spoiled and materialistic attribute these same faults to
People believe youngsters primarily reflect what they
their parents. Half of those surveyed find it very com-
learn at home. Americans believe it is parents' job to
mon for parents to equate buying things for children to
make sure young people grow up with the right values.
caring for them. "The fact is that children are learning
ready to take their place in society. "Children need guid-
values now - everyday." said an Ohio man with deri-
ance and molding." said a New Jersey man. "and the
sion. "They're being taught: Number one is me.' and
only place they can get it is from their parents at home.
'Spend and buy things and accumulate things.' The fact
That's where it all begins."
that kids need to have $200 Nikes shouldn't surprise
anyone." Virtually half the public (49%) believe it's very
So Where Are The Parents!
common for parents to spoil their kids.
If children and teens fail to learn right from wrong. are
Not My Child!
spoiled. or misbehave - which the data clearly show IS
what people believe - Americans look first to the par-
The vision of almost willfully oblivious parents -
ents. Many Americans think children and teens are trou-
parents who refuse to believe their children might be at
bled and out of control because too many parents fail to
fault. much less reprimand them for doing wrong -
do their job. People accept the notion advanced by John
came up repeatedly in focus group discussions. "How
Locke - that at birth humans are a blank slate who
many times have you heard:
develop attitudes and character through education and
Not my son! Not my
experience. Children are not born with a good or bad
Only about 1 in 5
daughter!" a man in New
mindset. people believe: they absorb it.5
Jersey noted in frustration.
Americans (22%) say it's
"The whole neighborhood
very common to find par-
Automatic ally. with an annoying young child. I look
could witness an incident.
ents who are good role
models for their kids.
right all the parents / don blame II on the kid. I
but that parent is going to
blame 11 on the parents who are sitting right there.
say. Not my kid! It is
allow me II 10 happen." - New Jersey man
sick." A retired teacher remembered being shocked by
"how many kids do drugs in high school and their par-
Parents are not raising kids with the right work ethic.
ents have no idea: they think their kids are model. per-
Then are not taking the time to explain things to kids, to
fect kids. It is almost like a lot of them lead two lives."
show them. They do 100 many things for them instead of
asking. demanding. or disciplining them to do it."
It Takes A Village?
- Illinois man
Some social observers have suggested that Americans -
Falling Down On The Job
especially those without children -refuse to shoulder
any responsibility for the next generation or show any
Since the public believes parents are the key to how
interest in children's development or families' problems.
youngsters turn out. it is not surprising to find their com-
But have Americans really turned their backs on parents.
plaints about children and teens echoed in their com-
saying in effect. "They your kids. you raise them?"
plaints about parents. Only about I in 5 Americans (22%)
say it's very common to find parents who are good role
Ironically, many Americans believe parents themselves
models for their kids. Half complain that parents fail to
are the ones who reject any involvement from outside the
provide discipline. More than half (55%) believe parents
home. Focus group respondents repeatedly told modera-
break up marriages too easily instead of trying to stay
tors that parents don't appreciate suggestions about -
together for the sake of their children. More than 6 in 10
let alone criticism of - their children. Sensing that par-
(63% I say it's very common for parents to have children
ents resent anything that might be interpreted as interfer-
before they are ready to take responsibility for them.
ence. people are wary of interfering in someone else's
"Parents need to be mature themselves before they have
business. "I wouldn't feel comfortable in going over to
children." said an Iowa woman.
someone and saying I didn't think they were doing
KIDS THESE DAYS: What Americans Really Think About The Next Generation
13
something correctly." said I woman in Washington
They need love and affection. If the family unit
state. 1 don't know if It would be something they
doesn't show the potential to love. they will 20 for 11
would appreciate. More than + in 10 people surveved
elsewhere
even
gangs
-
New
Jersey
man
(439) think it's very common for parents to resent
advice about their kids - even when that advice
"When children are unsupervised. they look for other
comes from people who mean well. "If you say some-
people who care
they look to each other for guid-
thing to somebody else's kids nowaday you are
ance. but [young people] do not have the sophistica-
going to get into it with their parents. remarked a
tion or knowledge to take care of themselves. and they
California woman with a matter-of-fact tone. So peo-
end up making unwise choices."
ple walk away. shake their heads. mutter beneath their
- Nebraska woman
breath. and protest internally - but not publicly.
where it could make some difference.
And here again is an area where the public feels par-
ents often fall short. Half the public (51%) think that
In focus groups conducted by Public Agenda for its
parents who don't know how to communicate with
education studies. teachers consistently complained
their kids are very common. "You have to spend qual-
that today's parents challenge their decisions and
ity time with the child." said a New York woman.
often refuse to consider even the possibility that their
"Just talk. What happened today? I am here for you.
children are at fault in matters of discipline or acade-
Whatever it is. now is the time. let's talk.' That does
mic effort. A New York teacher in a focus group for
not happen anymore." Said a Utah man. "Just being
this study echoed this theme: "What really bugs me is
with your kids as much as you can is important. Help
that kids have all these rights. I thought kids are
them with their homework. explain things to them."
minors. meaning they need
the protection of society.
Parents: We Can't Tell Them No
If you say something to
Since when did these minors
somebody else's kids
- who I think are supposed
Interestingly. the very people closest to this issue -
nowadays, you are going
to be protected - all of a
parents themselves - are as critical of parents as
0 get into it with their
sudden get all of these rights?
everyone else. About two-thirds of parents (65% say
parents." - woman, CA
So now. as a teacher. if I say.
it's common for parents to have children before they
'Shut up and sit down.' I am
are ready to take responsibility for them. "You have to
the one in trouble because I used the word 'shut up.
be with them as much as you can." said a Utah father.
after the kid has been telling me to commit unnatural
who added with regret. "I had one son. and I knew he
acts upon myself
It is like we are both equals.
was going out drinking. He'd come in and say. Well.
Who am I to tell him to sit down and pay attention?
I'm here Mom and Dad.' And we never got up to see
This is nonsense!" Some adults. like this one from
whether he was drunk or not. I knew he was on drugs."
New Jersey. refer back to times when the teacher's
decisions were accepted and even reinforced in the
Half the parents surveyed think it's very common for
home: "When I was in school. if I ever came home to
parents not to do their job on discipline. Only I in 5
my father and told him a teacher hit me. he would
(19%) say it's very common for parents to be good
beat the hell out of me and then ask me why later.
role models and teach their kids right from wrong. In
Today. the kid comes home and says The teacher hit
Denver. a mother tried to explain the lack of confi-
me. and they want to sue."
dence and vacillation she saw among parents:
Spare The Love, Ruin The Child
"A lot of mv friends feel insecure in their role as par-
ents. and they don let the child know. / am the boss.
Much of the public's criticisms of parents might be
you are the child. They want to be friends with them. /
taken to be a call to return to an old-fashioned. pater-
think they don't want to relive their parents (style of
nalistic. severe mode of parenting. But people's belief
parenting] where it was too structured and disciplined.
hat children need values and discipline does not
And they have guilt for leaving the kid in dav care all
mean people are ready to return to the austere child-
dav and running off to work. So it's We can tell them
rearing practices of the past. To the contrary. people
no, we must buy them everything they want."
believe parents must talk with their children. show
interest in their lives. give them love. and put their
It is interesting that this parent talked about discipline
interests first. "Dr. Spock" norms have penetrated
in the same breath as materialism - much as the gen-
most Americans' consciousness and carry more than a
eral public did. About half (51%) of the parents sur-
faddish. feel-good appeal. People believe that love
veyed believe it's very common for parents to think
and guidance are needed to raise healthy children who
that buying things for kids means the same thing as
will become responsible and caring adults. Indeed.
caring for them.
one fear is that if the family fails to provide love and
guidance. young people will seek it elsewhere.
14
© 1997 Public Agenda
Many parents also agree that parents are perhaps
Are Kids Priority One!
overly sensitive to criticisms or suggestions about
their children. approximately 4 in 101425 say par-
While some parents are ready to shift some of the
ents who resent advice about their kids are very com-
blame to society. many Americans believe. in contrast.
mon. A California mother thought parents were defen-
that too many parents put their
sive because of a sense of guilt. Parents are not
own personal needs and chal-
around their kids as much
lenges ahead of the needs of
Many parents seem tenta-
so they become more
tive and uncertain in mat-
protective of their child. So if someone else tries to
their children. Fifty-five per-
come in and even says something
cent of Americans say parents
ters of discipline and
break up their marriages too
authority, and many
easily. instead of trying to stay
believe that society is
Parental Authority
together for their kids. "There
increasingly likely to
Many parents acknowledge that far too many of their
are a lot of single-parent
question their judgment
in this area.
number fail to fulfill their responsibilities to their chil-
homes. and children are alone
dren. But many also complained that society has
all the time." said a New
undermined their authority as parents. particularly
Jersey woman explaining why kids are in trouble. "I
with regard to discipline. In nearly every focus group.
think the big problem is so many divorces and single-
at least one respondent brought up the subject of cor-
mother families that are having a tough time." said a
poral punishment as an example of how society sec-
Utah man. By virtually identical numbers. parents
ond-guesses parents and looks over their shoulders.
themselves agree with all of these assessments.
There is very little evidence in this study that most
parents see spanking as the "be all and end all" of
And. finally. there is also a sense that parents take on
raising well-behaved children. But many spoke with
too many activities that needlessly compete with their
some anguish about the more complicated nature of
kids for attention. "I think kids are in real crisis. and
parental authority today.
parents just don't get it," said a woman from Georgia.
"They're missing the point that you just can't do
"The law is against the parents on discipline." com-
effective parenting when you are this spread out.
plained one California parent. "That gives the kid the
involved in so many things. Quality time. one-on-one
mind that. 1 can do what I want to because my moth-
time - I think they're missing it."
er and father better not hit me because I am going to
call 911
Many parents. by their own report. seem tentative and
uncertain in matters of discipline and authority. and
many believe that society is increasingly likely to
question their judgment in this area.
KIDS THESE DAYS: What Americans Really Think About The Next Generation
15
FINDING FOUR: Mitigating Circumstances
Americans acknowledge it is tougher to be a parent or a child in today world. They recognize that more
than ever. parents - and especially mothers must work hard and sacrifice for their children. Americans
also believe today youngsters face threats from society that can undermine their parents' best efforts.
People are extremely concerned about ubiquitous threats endangering all kids: drugs and crime: sex and vio-
lence in the media: and public schools that often fail to deliver education in a safe and orderly environment.
Many Americans have strong criticisms of the job
are profoundly conscious of fundamental changes that
parents are doing. But these criticisms coexist -
have made the job of parenting tougher than ever
simultaneously and side-by-side with substantial
before. In fact. 4 in 5 Americans say it's much harder
levels of empathy and understanding for what peo-
for parents to do their job these days. while only
ple see as the enormously difficult and challenging
about I in 5 (19%) say it's easier or about the same as
undertaking that raising children has become. These
in the past.
coexisting viewpoints may appear to be contradicto-
ry. but ordinary citizens seem to recognize the com-
Thus. the harsh judgments about parental failings
plexity of the situation. and the sometimes tumul-
described in Finding Three are coupled with - and
tuous circumstances of modern life. Instead of
at least partially mitigated by - an acknowledg-
choosing to simply condemn parents or to view
ment that parents often struggle and make financial
them as totally helpless or blameless. Americans
sacrifices for their kids. Half of all Americans
seem to simultaneously subscribe to two truths:
(51%) say that parents who sacrifice and work hard
These are tough times - maybe the toughest of
for their kids are very common. Forceful finger-
times - to be a parent. but parents are not rising to
pointing at parents is inevitably linked with some
meet the challenge.
recognition of the pressures they face. pressures
that lead them to make compromises and take
Tough Times To Be A Parent
short-cuts in parenting.
Americans recognize the many challenges and
"They have no choice but to go out there and work.
demands facing today parents and families. They
So a lot of them. unfortunately. when they do come
home. then put their kids in front of the TV ser so
they can cook. - New York woman
BEING A PARENT TODAY
"I think me have another problem - for family
budget reasons. both parents are out working.
Do you think it's much harder or much easier for
Whereas vears ago my mother never worked and
parents to do their job these days. or do you think
my father used 10 say, You will never work as long
it's about the same?
as / am around. Todav it is just the opposite - they
both have to work. And that leaves the child under
the care of someone else. and that's where a lot of
About the
problems start." - New Jersey man
same
Much easier
They may not be happy about it. but the public
knows that the Leave It To Beaver days are gone.
17%
"My father. as a single wage-earner. took care of five
children." said an Ohio man. "I don't think that can
be done now. So now mothers feel the need to go out
and work so they can live to a certain standard."
The Pressure On Mothers
81%
While people in the focus groups pointed to the
absence of mothers in the home as a problem.
Americans clearly believe that most mothers work
because they have to. not because, they've chosen
self-fulfilling careers over the well-being of their
Much harder
kids. Specifically. 3 in 4 people believe it's very
common for mothers to give up time with their kids
16
© 1997 Public Agenda
to work and make ends meet: only 27% say it's very
thankful that they did not have children. a striking
common for mothers to give up time with their kids so
reversal from times past. when not having children
they can work for personal satisfaction. An Illinois
was seen as cause for pity. "I consider it a real bless-
woman with grown children spoke sympathetically
ing that I don't have any children." said a woman
about the plight of today's mothers: "For mothers who
from lowa. "It is a job that is never over."
are working today. it's the stress of doing a full-time
job. and then coming home and doing the things you
Environmental Hazards
need to do with your kids. and even to further your
own education. That's a lot of stress."
People also recognize that today's kids - even those
with parents who work hard to raise them properly -
New-Age Dads
face a world of dangers and temptations that threaten
their well-being. Not only must parents double their
What society expects from fathers has changed
efforts to make ends meet. they also face the daunting
markedly. well beyond the legislative focus on getting
task of raising respectful.
"deadbeat dads" to fulfill their financial responsibili-
helpful. morally-grounded
ties. What do Americans expect from fathers who are
children in a world fraught
Parents face the daunting
with their families? "It's a confusing time." said an
with hazards and decidedly
task of raising respectful,
Ohio man. "There was a time for my father's genera-
mixed messages about what's
helpful, morally-grounded
tion when what it meant to be a father was a lot sim-
right and wrong. "I don't like
children in a world fraught
with hazards and decid-
pler. a lot clearer. It isn't today. There's the modern.
the world I am raising my
new-age guy who's trying to figure out how to be a
kids in." said a Denver father.
edly mixed messages.
warm. loving. caring father - not domineering and
"Today's world. it stinks and I
traditional. And then there's the totally absent one that
don't like it." Americans think these are uniquely dif-
can't deal with it."
ficult times for kids: more than 8 in 10 (83%) say it's
harder to be a kid growing up in America these days:
One change has been the notion that fathers can and
only 16% say it is easier or about the same. The sur-
should show affection and love to their children. while
vey asked people to rate the severity of problems chil-
still being considered "men." But only about I in 5
dren and teenagers face. Topping the public's list of
(22%) Americans say that such fathers are very com-
the problems facing youngsters is drug and alcohol
mon. Fathers agree - only about I in + (27%) think
abuse. which 7 in 10 Americans (71%) consider a
that the affectionate. loving Dad is very common.
very serious problem. "Nowadays you get young kids
- 13. 14. 15 carrying guns and beepers, and they
Another change has challenged the notion that a
want to be little drug dealers on the corner." said a
father has fulfilled his responsibility simply by putting
California woman. "I think it's harder [to be a kid]
"food on the table." As a California mother put it: "If
today. Because we didn't have AIDS. crack. all these
he is just being there. wearing the pants. it is better if
he is not there at all. If he is not going to be with
these kids. and talk to these kids. it is better that he is
not there." The image of fathers is better here: only
BEING A KID TODAY
35% of the general public thinks it's very common for
fathers to put their jobs ahead of their kids. Once
Overall. is it easier or harder to be a kid growing up in
again. fathers essentially agree (37%).
America these days. or is it about the same?
The job That's Never Over
About the
People can easily imagine moments where the pres-
same
Easier
Don't know
sures of life can get to the most devoted parents. By
4%
an almost 2-to-1 margin (63% to 32%). Americans
believe that "most parents face times when they really
need help raising their kids" instead of the alternate
proposition that "most parents can handle the job of
raising their kids without help." Indeed. people even
give some benefit of the doubt to parents of young-
sters who are struggling and getting into trouble. Only
11% of the public believes that such parents are irre-
83%
sponsible: people are more likely to believe that such
parents are simply overwhelmed by their own person-
Harder
al problems (40%).
In fact. the extraordinary challenges people see for
today's families led some non-parents to be openly
KIDS THESE DAYS: What Americans Really Think About The Next Generation
17
drugs kids are exposed to." said a New York woman.
the first date And this IS enforced in movies. in
Seven in 10 people 169c also see excessive violence
television all over. And the lack of respect for your
and sex on television and in the movies as a very sen-
elders.
ous problem. "They just show things they shouldn't
be showing on the local TV channel." said a frustrated
But in the end. people are most likely to return to the
Denver mother. "There is semi-nudity on TV now.
moral definition of the problem. When survey respon-
When I was growing up. I watched / Love Lucy: and
dents who described several problems as very serious
they never showed those people in bed together -
were asked to choose the one most critical of all. the
they had two separate beds." Another mother in the
plurality (25% pointed to young people's failure to
same group responded in agreement: "Even if you are
learn values such as honesty and respect. Another
watching a decent show or a radio station you have
12% pointed to youngsters failure to learn religious
chosen. then you get the commercials coming in and.
faith and values.
Oh. I thought I was safe for 15 minutes. Parents
particularly seem to feel that they have no place to
The Suburbs - And Beyond
hide. even when they seek to control the influences to
which their kids are exposed.
Once again. the public overwhelmingly believes these
problems threaten all of America's youth. not just the
Crime and gangs are another very serious threat to kids.
disadvantaged. Those who identified problems as very
according to 62% of the population. "The streets are so
or somewhat serious were asked how widespread they
dangerous in certain communities." said a California
are. Ninety-five percent believe that drug and alcohol
man. "[You don't want kids] hanging out on the street
abuse is a widespread problem. not one affecting only
with a bicycle - there might be a drive-by shooting."
children from lower-income families. Nine in ten
(91%) think the failure to teach kids such values as
Schools: No Longer A Safe Haven
honesty. respect. and responsibility is widespread. with
only 8% linking it only to lower-income children. The
And finally. there IS also growing disappointment
same is true for crime and education. areas where mid-
with the public schools. which half (49%) of those
dle-class families are supposed to have an advantage:
surveyed believe fail to give kids a good education.
two-thirds (67%) view crime and gangs as widespread.
Prior Public Agenda studies
while more than three-quarters (76%) consider failing
have documented the roots of
public schools to be a widespread problem.
People tended to draw
this disaffection - a sense
together laundry lists of
that schools fail to teach the
The Bottom Line: Raise Them Right
daunting social pressures
academic basics in a safe and
facing young people today,
orderly environment. Even as
Whether the problems young people face result more
ticking problems off one by
educators protest that the
from parents or from social pressures is a widely-
one as a sad testimony to
schools face the same societal
debated question. dividing American politicians. edu-
how much the meaning of
problems identified above.
cators. and social commentators. The American peo-
childhood has changed.
the public adds the quality of
pie seem to share this division. When pressed to
education to the list of seri-
choose whether the difficulties facing kids today are
ous problems facing kids
mostly the result of irresponsible parents or social and
today. And not only do people blame the schools for
economic pressures. people split about evenly -
failure to deliver on their educational mission. many
+4% to 41%.
believe they no longer offer the safe haven of struc-
ture and discipline that young people need in order to
Still. even after they recognize that these are tough
thrive. For example. 7 in 10 people say drugs and
times for parents. teens. and young children. and that
violence are problems in the public schools, and even
every parent can face occasions when they are
youngsters see this as a problem.⁶
pressed. people often return to the refrain: if you're
going to have children. raise them right. "We all have
Survey questions. by design. are meant to tease apart
personal problems." said a New Jersey man. "some
different aspects of an issue: but in the focus group
greater than others. But whoever has children. you
discussions. people tended to draw together laundry
have to put those problems aside and you've got to do
lists of daunting social pressures facing young people
your best to try to raise your children right and set a
today. ticking problems off one by one as a sad testi-
good example for them." In the public's mind. no
mony to how much the meaning of childhood has
matter what the personal problems and social pres-
changed. "It is a breakdown of a lot of things." said a
sures are. parents are obligated to shoulder the
New York man. "It is the drugs that flow freely. the
responsibility for their children's upbringing.
moral factor as far as it is okay to jump into bed on
18
1997 Public Agenda
FINDING FIVE: Never Give Up
Notwithstanding their extensive criticisms of young people. Americans refuse to give up on kids. They care
deeply about their well-being and believe that tackling the issue is of paramount importance to our society.
Most encouraging. they are stubborn!y optimistic about the chances of reclaiming the lives of even the most
troubled teens.
Despite their deep disappointment over how teens and
Almost All Can Learn
children are turning out. Americans demonstrate sur-
prisingly high levels of caring and sympathy toward
Nor are people willing to give up on a young person's
young people. More importantly. they believe that
potential to learn. achieve. and - with the right kind
confronting the challenges youngsters face espe-
of help - contribute to society. The refusal to give up
cially the moral ones - is a paramount and urgent
on kids. to practice triage on the tough cases. contin-
national priority.
ues when it comes to schools and education. Given a
choice between two views. 74% say that given
About 7 in 10 people (71%) say the statement "I am
enough help and attention. just about all youngsters
strongly moved when I see media stories about chil-
can learn and succeed in school: only 21% say that
dren suffering" comes very close to how they feel.
some just won't learn or succeed. no matter how
They also recognize the importance of this issue for
much help and attention they get.
the nation's future. As noted earlier. slightly more
than half of those surveyed (52%) say that helping
Most people just do not believe that youngsters are
kids get a good start in life is more important than
"born bad." or that they are unreachable and not
creating more jobs. protecting citizens from crime. or
worth salvaging. In fact. people's comments often
helping the poor or homeless.
reveal an undertone of faith in the capacity of young
people to transcend their sur-
Redeemable, Retrievable
roundings or shaky begin-
nings. "Kids are resilient and
Most people just do not
Americans display an extraordinary. almost stubborn.
they will survive." said a
believe that youngsters
refusal to write young people off as unsalvageable.
Nebraska woman. People may
are "born bad," or that
Almost three-quarters (72% say that "given enough
recognize that some kids can
they are unreachable and
love and kindness. just about any kid can be reached."
be "a handful." that it might
not worth salvaging.
A Denver man's comment was typical: "All kids can
take supreme effort to invest
be helped if you get to them early enough. if you
affection in a tough child. But
Spend time with them."
they still want society and parents - to make that
effort. to keep trying. because there IS likely to be a
From the public's viewpoint. even the toughest
pay-off at the end. "Strong-willed children are very
youngsters - teenagers already in real trouble -
tough to love unconditionally." said a Denver mother.
can be redeemed. given the right kind of effort. Even
"and all kids need unconditional love - especially
when the survey presented them with a scenario
from parents. But they are the ones that. if you can
about "the tough customers" - teenagers who are
just let them know you love them no matter what.
always getting into trouble at school and in their
they are the ones who are going to be super achievers
neighborhood - 85% believe given enough atten-
the people who make the difference in the world"
tion and the right kind of guidance. almost all such
teens can get back on track: only 11% say instead
By Virtue Of Their Character
that many of these teens are beyond the point where
they can be helped.
Is this insistence that it is never too ate unrealistic.
merely an example of Americans' instinctive opti-
"It is not too late to redirect a young adult. to teach
mism? Are people simply offering socially acceptable
him an alternative. But you have to treat him as a
responses? Perhaps. But people consistently draw on
semi-adult now instead of a child. They always say
personal experience to share examples of individuals
you can't straighten a tree after it is grown. But I still
able to surmount the roughest environments and most
think that if that kid gets to be 18 vears old. you can
difficult personal challenges. In every part of the
show him the road." - California man
country. people in every walk of life relate stories
about late-bloomers. people who managed to over-
come harsh beginnings by virtue of their character.
and kids who were failures in school but somehow
as adults discovered latent talents.
KIDS THESE DAYS: What Americans Really Think About The Next Generation
19
What's more. many people acknowledge that they
Americans stubbornly resist giving up on individual
themselves were no angels growing up and presum-
youngsters or abandoning an entire generation. But if
ably believe they turned out all right). Slightly more
people believe that kids can straighten out and devel-
than half (54%) say that they got into mischief as
op the values and attitudes that will guide them into
youngsters. at least on occasion. The notion that one
responsible adulthood. how do they think that can
might get into trouble. then straighten out. fits peo-
happen?
ple's own experience and their recognition that the
path to productive adulthood IS seldom a straight line.
20
© 1997 Public Agenda
FINDING SIX: Solutions That Miss The Mark
Government programs aimed at improving the health and economic circumstances of young people miss the
mark in three important ways as far as the public is concerned. First. Americans define the children's issue as
predominantly moral in nature. not one of money or health. Second. people believe the crux of the problem is
parents. not a lack of government programs. And third. welfare has left a legacy of skepticism about govern-
ment intervention on behalf of the family. Even when it comes to low-income. at-risk kids. Americans doubt
that such programs could help. They suspect that parents who need such programs will fail to take advantage
of them.
In recent years the most visible and dominant govern-
sessions without public outcry. it's probably because
mental efforts to address the problems of young peo-
they fail to address the public's fundamental concerns.
ple have centered on measures to improve their physi-
cal well-being and economic circumstances. Yet such
Parents Remain The Key
ideas fail to attract much enthusiasm from the general
public or - even more puzzling to some children's
As already noted. people believe that children thrive
advocates - from parents themselves. From the pub-
when their parents care for them and teach them right
lic's perspective. such efforts are beside the point for
from wrong. They hold parents responsible when their
three reasons: people fundamentally view the chil-
children go astray. This frustrates many children's
dren's issue as moral in nature - better values and
advocates who want to bring the children's issue into
character are what's needed. not necessarily more
the public policy realm. much as some European
spending: people think parents are not doing their job
nations do. While parents are responsible for their
when it comes to "raising kids right" and severely
own children. advocates say. society as a whole must
doubt government programs can take their place: and
still assume some responsibility for the next genera-
people harbor doubts that government programs to
tion for its own good. if
help the family can truly work given their perceptions
for no other reason. But
of how welfare turned out.
When presented with a
to the public. the fate of
range of 10 possible prob-
young people chiefly
lems facing young people
The Real Problem: Morality,
hinges upon how well
today - from drugs to
Values, And Character
parents care for them
crime to a failure to learn
- and how and what
values - a shortage of gov-
The most fundamental reason efforts to improve nutri-
they teach them day-in
tion and health care for children fail to resonate with
ernment programs ranks
and day-out. This
last on the list.
the public is that people define the children's issue in
image is so strong in
terms of morality. values. and character. Since this is
the public mind that
hardly the stuff of most government programs. it is not
efforts to move the focus of attention to what govern-
surprising that few Americans (27%) consider a short-
ment does for children and teenagers would seem to
age of such programs to be a very serious problem. In
hold little promise of success.
fact. when presented with a range of 10 possible prob-
lems facing young people today - from drugs to
In the public's mind. government programs that aim
crime to a failure to learn values - a shortage of gov-
to supply the health and financial needs of youngsters
emment programs ranks last on the list. Comparing
cannot remedy the most glaring failures of parents -
this result to an earlier finding in which 61% think
the failure to be there for their children and to take
kids' failure to learn such values as honesty, respect.
responsibility for the development of their character.
and responsibility is a very serious problem. makes
People are thinking: "We might succeed at immuniz-
clear where the public stands on this issue.
ing children against a full range of diseases: but how
will that improve the quality of parenting and teach-
To the public. it may not be so much that health ini-
ing they get at home? How will that make their par-
tiatives on behalf of children and teenagers are worth-
ents better parents?"
less. Indeed. there is an archive of survey findings
suggesting at least some support for a variety of such
A Legacy Of Government Failure
proposals. The key point is they do not speak to the
public's definition of the issue. and they are therefore
But what about parents who - for a variety of rea-
seen as less relevant. in this study. only 34% say more
sons - are just not up to the job of parenting? Should
government funding for child and health care pro-
government take the lead in trying to help them?
grams would be a very effective way to help kids. If
When asked. "When parents have serious trouble rais-
such initiatives languish during legislative log-rolling
ing their kids properly. who is in a better position to
KIDS THESE DAYS: What Americans Really Think About The Next Generation
21
step in with help - other than relatives or close
In this study. almost 6 in 10 Americans (58%) believe
friends?" only 118 opt for government agencies and
that welfare programs that encourage single-parent
programs. 795 would rely on private efforts such as
families and teen pregnancy pose a very serious prob-
volunteer organizations or neighbors and citizens who
lem for today's young people. And. perhaps predict-
pull together.
ably. only 10% believe that increasing government
funding for such welfare programs as AFDC and food
The extreme reluctance to
stamps would be a very effective way to help young
The public's repudiation
count on the government.
people. "I am thinking about the government pro-
of welfare was driven not
even for the neediest. most
grams that have not helped a whole lot of people -
by its costs but by a sense
troubled families. reflects
for instance. welfare." said a California woman.
that welfare rewarded
grave doubts about the effica-
"People are still on welfare who have been on it for
values and behaviors
cy - and wisdom - of ask-
years. That's their livelihood: that's their career."
that are anathema to
ing government programs to
most Americans.
rescue families in trouble. "I
Will They Come:
don't think we should turn to
the government for help." said
But how government goes about helping the poor is
a Denver woman. "I don't want them to come up with
not the only source of public skepticism. People also
more ways for them to take our children and raise
harbor serious doubts about whether those who need
them."
such programs make good use of them. When asked
to evaluate government programs to help low-income.
A principle source of this reluctance is the legacy of
at-risk kids and families. only 8% say such programs
government welfare programs. prompting people to
usually succeed. The vast majority (71%) say the
define government as causing problems for the poor.
results are mixed. while 19% say the programs usual-
not solving them. In a 1996 study. The Values We Live
ly fail. Most interesting is the public's explanation for
B\: What Americans Want from Welfare Reform.
why such programs usually fail or produce mixed
Public Agenda found the public's repudiation of wel-
results. Only 5% say the reason is a lack of money.
fare was driven not by its costs but by a sense that
Instead. nearly 4 in 10 (38%) believe the programs
welfare rewarded values and behaviors that are anath-
are poorly designed. while 51% believe it is because
ema to most Americans. The public concluded that a
the parents who need these programs don't make
program motivated by good intentions had gone seri-
good use of them. About half of the public thus
ously awry and was perpetuating and exacerbating the
believes that it is the failure of at-risk parents to use
very problems it was intended to fix. Why? For one
government programs that helps explain the lack of
thing. the program focused on caring for the material
results.
and financial needs of recipients without making any
morally-based demands upon them - that they work
"You can't force parents to do what we all agree they
in return for their benefits. for example. or that they
should do." said a woman from Georgia who works
continuously strive to climb out of dependency. For
with juveniles and at-risk families. "You can legislate
another. the public believed welfare undermined
a program. but I don't know how you enforce a pro-
rather than supported the family.8
gram
I don't know how you force people to do
that. Even if we have their kids. we can't force them
to do it."
22
© 1997 Public Agenda
FINDING SEVEN: Solutions That Show Promise
Because they define the problem as one of values. Americans gravitate toward solutions that help develop
young people's character. People believe the schools should help teach kids discipline. honesty. and respectful-
ness toward themselves and others. They believe community centers and volunteer organizations like the Boy
Scouts could be effective because they lend moral structure to youngsters' lives.
If people do not look.to government for effective
their perspective. the social environment tolerated at
solutions. what do they think might help? People see
public schools - the behavior that is overlooked or
a need for action in several arenas. and they are sur-
allowed to go unpunished - undermines. rather than
prisingly pragmatic and clear-sighted about what they
reinforces. what they try so hard to teach at home.
think will work.
Keep Kids Busy
Schools Should Reinforce Values
Since people believe that leaving young people with
After parents. people look to public schools as soci-
nothing to do is asking for trouble. one attractive
ety's most critical point of contact with young people.
solution is more after-school programs - seen by 6
But just as the public voices dissatisfaction with par-
in 10 Americans as a very effective way to help kids.
ents' performance. people also believe that public
"When my daughters were pre-school age. there were
schools have abandoned their traditional and essential
many things they could do." noted a Denver mother.
role of reinforcing responsibility. integrity. and respect
"But now at the ages of 10 and 13. there are very.
- along with teaching academics. (Recall that about
very few things. and what
half identified inadequate public education as a very
there are cost a lot. And now
serious problem.) People believe that if the schools do
is when they really need it."
The public doubly values
a better job. young people will turn out better. In fact.
The public doubly values such
such after-school pro-
two-thirds (67%) say that improving the public
programs. since they not only
grams, since they not only
schools would be a very effective way to help young
take kids off the streets and
take kids off the streets.
people.
give them constructive things
but also provide them with
to do. but also provide them
the structure and adult
But people's definition of what a good education
with the structure and adult
guidance they believe
includes goes beyond conveying academic skills.
guidance they believe are
are missing.
Studies by Public Agenda have shown repeatedly that
missing from youngsters'
the public overwhelmingly believes schools should
daily lives.
reach values along with academics. "Schools have a
social role as well." pointed out a Denver woman. "I
We [need] more community-based programs for
think that IS eminently important. equally as important
these children after school. so that they are not
as teaching them the basics of academics."
latchkev kids. More programs that teach kids athletics
things of that nature.' -California woman
The values people want schools to teach are straight-
forward - and not likely to generate much controver-
For the same reasons. more than half of those sur-
5! Basically, people want schools to teach the values
veyed (53%) also believe that greater reliance on vol-
and standards of behavior that will stand kids in good
unteer organizations like the Boy Scouts would be a
stead out in the real world being responsible. on
very effective way to help kids. In fact. the Scout Law
time. and disciplined (83% the value of hard work
is a promise to be trustworthy. loyal. helpful. friendly.
(78%): and honesty and tolerance of others (74%).º
courteous and more - a fairly neat summation of
what Americans want young people everywhere to
Educators sometimes complain that instilling strong
learn.
character traits and teaching acceptable social behav-
for are tasks that more properly belong to parents. But
Help Parents Have More Time
the public wants the schools to supplement and rein-
force the values parents should provide. They do not
Since parents are the key to good kids. and because
expect schools to replace parents. "You can model
people do recognize the stress that the workplace puts
good behavior at school. but youngsters don't spend
on parents' ability to do their job. more than half
the bulk of their time in school." said an Illinois
those surveyed (55%) think more flexible work sched-
woman. "So if you're going to educate them with a
ules would be very effective to help young people.
value system. it's going to have to come from home."
"Usually now. both mothers and fathers are working."
And many parents are quick to point out that from
said a Utah man. "and they can't get home before the
KIDS THESE DAYS: What Americans Really Think About The Next Generation
23
kids are out of school. That
When To Get Firm
And How
Perhaps people doubt
where the big problem is."
that the media will be
The public sees so many fam-
Whatever else happens. many people say it is critical
responsive to public
thes under such pressure and
to keep kids off the streets where they can easily get
pressure, or wonder just
rushing to meet their many
into. or cause. trouble. Fifty-three percent of those
how much influence they
obligations that they want to
participating in the survey consider nighttime curfews
as individuals can bring
help parents better juggle
for kids to be a very effective way to help them.
to bear.
their responsibilities. By con-
"Their parents are letting them out until midnight
trast. only 37% think holding
when they are in the sixth grade." complained a New
parents legally responsible
Jersey man. People are thinking: if parents are not
when their kids get into trouble would be very effec-
keeping their kids off the streets late at night, the law
tive - another indication that the public considers the
should force them to do so.
issue as more complicated than simple parental
malfeasance.
Half of the public (48%) believe that an effective
measure to help youngsters is tougher punishment for
The Problem Without A Solution:
those who commit crime. Public Agenda's research on
The Media
attitudes toward crime indicates that people place
great stock in how the criminal justice system
Given the intense complaints about the media. it is
responds to a young offender's first brush with the
somewhat surprising that only half of those surveyed
law. The worst lesson to transmit to such youngsters.
(49%) think pressuring the entertainment industry to
people believe. is that they can commit a crime - no
produce movies and music with less violence and sex
matter how petty - and just get away with it. People
will be a very effective way to help kids. Perhaps peo-
believe that the proverbial slap on the wrist only
ple doubt that the industry will be responsive to pub-
invites further. and ever worsening. violations. At the
lic pressure. or wonder just how much influence they
same time. people also are loath to put juvenile
as individuals can bring to bear. Only 37% believe
offenders who have not committed violent crimes in
that protesting violence or sex in the media would
prison. fearing that the experience will only make
help a lot. People may also question whether it is real-
them worse. The public's list of preferred sanctions is
ly possible to return to the days when most media
therefore very instructive: boot camp. community ser-
content was at the G or PG level.
vice. or restitution with intense supervision. All of
these sanctions are intended to teach young offenders
discipline. hard work. and responsibility. The consis-
tent recurrence of these themes across different stud-
ies - from education. to welfare. to crime - is quite
striking.¹⁰
24
©
1997 Public Agenda
FINDING EIGHT: Will Individual Americans Help?
Americans are convinced that young people need adults in their lives who will help guide them to responsi-
ble adulthood. But will Americans - as individuals - help in the task? People say all the right things about
helping. but they also have concerns. Many are not sure that their efforts will be well received. They fear
embarrassing those they are trying to help. They want to make sure that they themselves are not taken advan-
tage of Finally. many Americans believe that those who receive help should show their appreciation. return
the favor when they can. and take responsibility for helping themselves. As it is. only about a third of
Americans volunteer regularly.
The notion of neighbor helping neighbor. or even of
Any Time Left To Give!
well-intended strangers helping others simply because
they need help. is a powerful one with deep roots in
Many of those concerned about rebuilding the tradi-
American history. The barn-raising that tapped a com-
tion of volunteering in American life fear that the real
munity's collective energy may have all but disap-
problem is a lack of time. Circumstances for most
peared. but its poignancy still speaks to many citizens.
families have changed dramatically: women have
Highly-publicized efforts to rejuvenate volunteerism
entered the workforce in large numbers: most people
in Americans have recently been launched. These
must commute to their jobs: and those jobs are more
efforts presume that there is a reservoir of energy and
demanding than ever. But lack of time. based on this
helpfulness among Americans waiting to be tapped.
study. seems to be an obstacle of somewhat lesser
importance to most Americans.
Giving From The Heart
When asked to pick one statement out of three that
best describes how much free time they have. only
So many Americans say the right things about helping
24% of Americans say all of their time is spoken for.
others that such a reservoir of helpfulness does
About 3 in 10 (29%) say they have enough free time
appear to exist. but this untapped energy exists side-
to do something new if they want to. and 46% say
by-side with concerns about when and how to lend a
they are pretty busy but could
hand. On the positive side. 3 in 4 Americans strongly
find time to do something
believe that helping others is the right thing to do. An
new. For most Americans
Only 34% of Americans
even higher percentage (85%) say that helping others
today. extra time seems to be
say they regularly partici-
makes them feel good. Seventy-four percent say when
like disposable income - an
pate in volunteer groups
they were growing up. their parents taught them that
elastic concept. Look hard
that do charity work or
helping others was important. A New Jersey woman.
enough. and chances are you
community service.
for example. emphasized the positive aspects when
will find it.
she reflected on what helping others meant to her:
"That personal sense of self-worth. that good feeling
People do seem more open to volunteer opportunities
you get from helping somebody just out of the good-
that fit into pre-existing schedules. Almost half of
ness of your heart. It is something beyond money." A
Americans (47%) say they would be much more like-
California woman who seemed to be no stranger to
ly to help young people if they could do so occasion-
the act of helping voiced a similar notion. "The main
ally whenever they found extra time. instead of mak-
thing is that when you help somebody. you feel so
ing a regular commitment. Half the parents surveyed
good inside. you give it from your heart and let it go."
say they would be much more likely to volunteer to
help kids if they could bring them along to an activity
But Actions Speak Louder Than Words
they already do with their own children.
Despite these overwhelmingly positive expressions.
Overall. however. lack of time does not seem to be
there appears to be a sharp drop-off between those
the chief barrier stopping people from helping others.
who say helping others is a good thing and the num-
ber of people who actually act on their good inten-
The Loss Of Confidence
tions. In this study. only 34% of Americans say they
regularly participate in volunteer groups that do chari-
A far more troubling obstacle is the doubt many
ty work or community service. although many respon-
Americans voice about whether helping out will bring
dents express positive sentiments towards the value of
the positive benefits and reactions people yearn for.
volunteerism. So what accounts for this drop-off? If
Many people seem to have lost confidence that the
people say they believe so strongly in the benefits of
human-to-human interaction involved in helping will
helping, what is stopping them from doing more?
KIDS THESE DAYS: What Americans Reality Think About The Next Generation
25
he comfortable. natural. and trouble-free. Their con-
More Generous In Safer Territory
cerns are diverse and multi-layered. but all reflect a
sense that there are great differences among people
Obviously. when people are operating within their
that could cause problems when they reach out to
regular circle among people whose responses they
help - differences in what people want. how they
feel they can accurately anticipate - their level of
will respond. what they expect.
comfort and confidence increases dramatically. Fully
71% say they would be very comfortable watching a
Many Americans. for example. express concerns that
child for a neighbor who has to run an errand.
their efforts to help will embarrass or insult the very
Another 56% would be very comfortable helping a
persons they are intended to benefit. Over half (56%)
neighbor who is a new mother with a baby.
say. "You have to be careful to avoid embarrassing
people when you in to help them."
The Importance Of Hearing
"Thank You"
Perhaps an even more telling indication that modern
times have dampened Americans volunteer spirit is a
Another significant barrier to giving help is people's
widespread fear of intruding on someone's privacy or
sense that their efforts may not be appreciated or may
trampling on their rights. Respondents in focus groups
not result in any significant change or increased self-
repeatedly expressed fears that their good intentions
reliance on the part of recipients. Americans still
might be misread. rejected. and even turned against
believe the ideal helper is, as this California man
them. The risk of getting sued came up often in con-
describes it.
someone willing to assist from the
versations about helping. As one Kansas man put it.
heart. regardless of the situation." But while they may
"People are less inclined to get involved in things. I
not start out looking for a "thank you." most people
think they are afraid they get sued nowadays."
notice when they do not get it. Even more important.
people want to see some results from their exertions
Many Americans seem especially sensitive when it
- help should lead to reciprocation. to progress and
comes to intervening with parents concerning the
improvement. not to perpetuating a hopeless. endless
behavior of children. Only 33% of Americans would
state of need.
be very comfortable telling a neighbor their child had
been getting into mischief. and only 4 in 10 (39%)
One of the most important expectations. shared by
would be very comfortable telling kids who are mis-
60% of Americans queried. is that people who get
behaving in a public area to
help should show appreciation - should say "thank
behave themselves. As one
you." In focus groups. many people remembered help-
Respondents in focus
California woman put it.
ing someone without receiving such thanks. and the
groups repeatedly
"Now if I go out there to say
experience left a bitter taste in their mouths. This New
expressed fears that their
something to somebody else's
Jersey woman was unusually explicit: "You don't
good intentions might be
kid. I may get cursed."
want to do it for people unless they say Thank you.
misread. rejected, and
Some people don't even acknowledge your help."
even turned against them.
People's uncertainty about
interceding - about stepping
Most Americans (51%) also want those who benefit
precipitously into other peo-
from help to return the favor when they can. The
ple's private lives even came up regarding report-
notion of reciprocity plays out powerfully when It
ing possible child abuse. While certainly concerned
comes to people's views on aiding the poor through
about children's welfare. many respondents in focus
welfare. One of the most compelling expectations
groups acknow ledged real discomfort in reporting
Americans had of welfare reform was that it places an
suspected abuse to authorities. Almost half (47%) of
obligation upon recipients to do something in return
the people surveyed say they would feel very com-
for the help they get. Almost 6 in 10 Americans
fortable taking action if they suspected a neighbor of
(57%) thought it absolutely essential that welfare
abusing a child. but many expressed fears about mak-
reform require "recipients to do community service in
ing such a serious charge when they did not have all
exchange for benefits" while 85% said they would be
the facts. Others acknowledged that different families
satisfied if welfare recipients were "required to do
often view corporal punishment in different ways.
something in exchange for their benefits - even if it
and seemed reluctant to impose their own standards
was just raking leaves or cleaning roads."!
unless the abuse was truly severe. A Colorado
Springs man explained his calculations this way. "I
The idea that recipients were continually being given
shouldn't go in there and tell somebody how to raise
something for nothing struck people as counterpro-
their kids. but if I see something abusive. I'll report it
ductive. More importantly, they saw it as insulting to
to the authorities."
their own efforts to struggle and work hard. In this
study. half the people surveyed say they help when
they yes that it makes a difference for other people.
It's ttant for people to feel that they are con-
26
©
1997 Public Agenda
tributing 10 J solution. rather than merely applying a
Reciprocators
Band- Aid to a perpetual. insoluble problem.
Another important and distinctive group are the "reci-
People Are Different
procators" - people who strongly believe that some-
one who gets help should return the favor and that
The issues and concerns discussed so far apply broad-
someone who gets help should show their apprecia-
!! to Americans in every part of the country from
tion. Reciprocators. who represent about 38% of the
every walk of life. But people - being people -
population. often focus on how the recipient of help
do bring different backgrounds. experiences. and
responds to their assistance. Like this man from New
mindsets to the business of helping and volunteering.
Jersey. they want to see progress: "What you are try-
As in politics. music. fashion. and lifestyle. there are
ing to do [in helping] is to show someone that they
"different strokes for different folks."
have to be independent. You have to stop doing and
start enabling. Now you are on your own. you either
Within the American public. some segments hold their
succeed or fail. but at least you are learning."
opinions and assumptions about helping and volun-
teering with a special intensity. so much so that they
More so than other Americans. reciprocators will cau-
have a distinct - and unique - "world view" about
tiously watch the recipients of aid to make sure they
the issue. This study suggests that there are three par-
will make good use of it before they pitch in. In fact.
ticularly distinctive personality types when it comes
6 in 10 (59%) reciprocators say they help when they
to volunteering and helping out. "Natural givers" have
see the difference it makes for other people: only 45%
an almost ingrained desire to help. "Reciprocators"
of other Americans feel the same way.
are particularly concerned that those they assist show
appreciation and start to help themselves. "Condi-
The Conditionals
tionals" worry that volunteering may involve unpleas-
ant or troubling experiences. (These distinctive per-
And finally. there are the "conditionals": people who
sonality types and the views of other important sub-
are particularly concerned about the social circum-
groups in the population are reported in more detail
stances in which they grant help. worried that things
in a second volume to this study.)
might go wrong - especially for themselves. They
are far more likely than other Americans to worry
The Natural Givers
about interfering in other people's personal affairs.
and to worry that they them-
Comprising about 16% of the population. natural
selves will be taken advantage
givers have few reservations about helping and betray
of Conditionals represent
As in politics, music,
little suspicion about who gets help or about how it is
about 12% of the population.
fashion, and lifestyle,
granted. These are the defining characteristics of nat-
Often. their sense of trust in
there are "different
ural givers: they are particularly apt to believe people
their neighbors - and in
strokes for different
who help others are usually appreciated: that It is
themselves - has been erod-
folks."
important to avoid embarrassing those you try to help:
ed. This woman from St.
and that people usually help out of the goodness of
Louis reflected on some of
their hearts. Natural givers often sound as if they are
those feelings. "Some people are afraid that they
simply waiting to be called to action. much like this
wouldn't know what to do. or they fear authority fig-
woman from Illinois. "I think they really just need to
ures. Or fear getting pulled into a situation they
advertise the need for help and thousands of volun-
couldn't handle or get out of.
teers will come When you get out there and expose
what the need IS. and what the goal is. you can get
The mindset conditionals bring to the issue of helping
people behind it."
invades their outlook on specific aspects of when and
how to volunteer. About 7 in 10 conditionals (69%)
Because of their world view, natural givers stand out
say you have to be careful about charity groups
as particularly sympathetic to youngsters. Natural
because some are dishonest and waste money: only
givers are more likely than other Americans to believe
44% of other Americans feel the same way. Almost
that "given enough. love and attention just about any
twice as many conditionals as other Americans say
kid could be reached" (an 85% to 69% margin). They
they have tried to help people in the past. only to feel
are also more likely to think that "many adults have a
their effort was wasted (54% to 28%).
hard time dealing with kids because they forget what
it was like when they were young" (a 50% to 36%
The Big Picture
margin).
Although specific segments of the public stand out. It
is important to realize they represent widely-held
views common to many Americans. These unique
segments all reflect tendencies that the American pub-
KIDS THESE DAYS: What Americans Really Think About The Next Generation
27
he widely displays many people want to do good:
Any effort to call Americans to action that ignores
many people are also concerned lest they be put into
these common concerns - or fails to address the
awkward. perhaps even
public's laser-like focus on the need to build character
unpleasant. situations
and moral judgment among the nation's youth - IS
People want to know
when helping: and
unlikely to produce any long-lasting response. People
their efforts will be aimed
many people want
want to know their efforts will be aimed at creating
at creating honest, kind,
helping to lead to some
honest. kind. respectful. polite. and compassionate
respectful. polite,
long-term improvement
youngsters. And they want reassurance that if they
and compassionate
in the condition and
give their help. it will be appreciated and make a dif-
youngsters.
self-reliance of those
ference. It is no longer enough just to say to
they help.
Americans: "Children are our future. Come and help."
28
© 1997 Public Agenda
Special Focus: The Views Of African American, Hispanic, And White Parents
In order to compare the views of African American and Hispanic parents to those of white parents. supple-
mentary interviews were conducted with 300 black and 300 Hispanic parents. The results: regardless of race
and ethnicity, all three groups of parents are critical of how teens and children are turning out. of the job par-
ents are doing. and for the most part. all are concerned about the same social problems threatening youngsters.
Where there are differences. these are usually differences in degree. not in kind. African American and
Hispanic parents are sometimes more critical of today's youth than are white parents. for example. and black
parents are more attracted to government child and health care programs.
Teens Are Trouble
children are very common. Black parents are more
likely than Hispanic and white parent's to believe out-
The general public's disapproval of how teenagers are
of-control or lazy children are very common. Black
turning out is mirrored among all parents. and black
and Hispanic parents are slightly more likely than
and Hispanic parents are hardly an exception in fact.
whites to believe friendly or respectful children are
they are often more disapproving.
very common. but they are far from ready to sing
their praises. For example. few African American
About 7 in 10 African American. Hispanic. and white
(25%) or Hispanic parents (19%) say children who
parents resort to negative adjectives when describing
are friendly and helpful toward their neighbors are
today's teens (73%. 68%. and 71%. respectively).
very common. Among white parents. the number
Black and Hispanic parents are more likely than
is 16%.
whites to say teens who get into trouble because they
have too much free time on their hands are very com-
Hopes For A Better World
mon (63%. 61% versus 49%). African American and
Hispanic parents also are more likely than white par-
Once again. just as was the case among the general
ents to criticize teenagers for lacking self-discipline
public. the picture is not all bad. Many parents across
(49cc. 46% versus 38%). and for being disorderly and
the three groups do believe that today's children are
wild in public (49%. 43% versus 31%). Minority par-
bright and eager to learn (40%, 37%. and 32%.
ents are only slightly more likely than white parents
respectively). But in the end.
to have positive evaluations of teens - to say. for
regardless of their racial or
example. that they are helpful toward neighbors or
ethnic background. parents
Black and Hispanic par-
treat adults with respect.
concur with the general pub-
ents are more likely than
lic: they do not expect the cur-
whites to say teens get
On the other hand. minority parents view youngsters
rent generation of children to
into trouble because they
with more empathy. Black - and to a lesser extent.
fulfill or redeem hopes for a
have too much free time
Hispanic - parents find it easier than white parents
better world. In similar
on their hands.
to communicate with teens (52%, 47%. and 38%.
majorities. black. Hispanic.
respectively). They are also more likely to say that
and white parents believe
many adults have a hard time with kids because they
today's children will make little difference or make
forget what it was like when they were younger (49%.
the nation an even worse place when they grow up
42%. and 33%. respectively).
(61%. 54%. and 58%. respectively).
Children Too
Look To The Parents
Like Americans in general. the criticisms of teens
As was the case with the general public, there is a
carry over to children for African American. Hispanic.
widespread belief - shared by about 8 in 10 black.
and white parents. When asked what comes to their
Hispanic, and white parents - that it is harder than
mind when describing children - defined as older
ever for parents to do their job. But. like Americans in
than 5 but not yet teens - half or more parents from
general, parents across the three groups are critical of
each group resort to negative adjectives (56% of
the job parents are doing in important areas of respon-
black. 49% Hispanic. and 56% white).
sibility. African American parents often stand out as
more critical than Hispanics and whites. and simulta-
Although the criticisms are not as intense as those
neously more understanding of the pressures facing
made of teens. parents across all groups do not view
parents.
children in hopeful and endearing terms. Much of the
focus is on children who are spoiled, with about half
Sizable majorities of black, Hispanic, and white par-
of black, Hispanic. and white parents saying such
ents believe parents today have children before they re
KIDS THESE DAYS: What Americans Really Think About The Next Generation
29
ready to take responsibility for them (72%. 69%. and
neighbors care about kids. Fewer Hispanic (45%) and
63% respectively): and that they often break up too
white (41%) parents agree.
easily rather than in to stay together for the sake of
their kids (56%. 57%. and 58%. respectively ). Many
parents across all three groups echo the public's com-
What To Do
plaint that parents often fail to discipline their children
and resent advice about their kids. And about half of
If the public refuses to give up on youngsters. even in
the most difficult circumstances. it is only to be
parents in each group reproach parents who believe
buying things for kids means the same as caring for
expected that parents will evince at least the same
them. Small percentages believe that parents who
level of commitment. Indeed. nearly 9 in 10 African
teach their kids right from wrong are very common.
American. Hispanic. and white parents believe that
even very troubled teens can be redeemed given
African American and Hispanic parents are substan-
enough attention and guidance. But are parents from
tially more critical of fathers for choosing careers as
different racial and ethnic backgrounds attracted to
the same solutions?
more important than children (47%. 39% versus
33%). and of parents in general for abusing welfare
141%. 43% versus 29%). But they also stand out as
In comparable numbers. black. Hispanic, and white
more mpathetic to the challenges facing parents
parents look to improving the quality of schooling kids
when. for example. they say parents who sacrifice and
get as a key solution (76%. 67%. and 70%, respective-
work hard on behalf of their children are very com-
ly). And although after-school programs in community
mon (65%. 58% versus 52%) or when they cite eco-
centers are particularly compelling to black and
nomic pressures on parents as a serious problem
Hispanic parents (75% and 67%). they speak to a
160% 53% versus 42%).
majority of white parents (57%) as well. Most parents
in each group also believe in the effectiveness of rely-
ing on volunteer organizations dedicated to young-
Drugs, Crime, And Gangs
sters. such as the Boy Scouts. Nor are parents across
According to parents. economic pressures and the
the spectrum resistant to tougher measures to keep
demands of the workplace are only the beginning of
kids off the streets and productive: majorities of black.
the story of what makes parenting and raising children
Hispanic. and white parents support nighttime curfews
so difficult today. Even if parents do a good job. wide-
for young people (63%. 66% and 54% respectively).
spread social problems threaten children. in their view.
Black and Hispanic parents are attuned to these dan-
Differing Views On Government
gers by larger margins. but white parents are not far
Programs
behind. Drug and alcohol
abuse on the part of young
There are some substantial differences between
frican American parents
people are a serious threat
African American parents in particular and white par-
- and to a lesser degree,
according to black. Hispanic.
ents. and these are often over the role of government
spanic parents - are
and white parents (79%. 83%.
programs - although even here there are some areas
ore likely to cite a short-
and 67%. respectively). Crime
of commonality. African American parents - and to a
e of government pro-
ams on behalf of kids as
and gangs are another very
lesser degree. Hispanic parents - are more likely to
serious problem according to
cite a shortage of government programs on behalf of
very serious problem.
77% of both black and
kids as a very serious problem (47%. 36% versus
Hispanic parents. and 60% of
27% of white parents). And they are considerably
white parents concur. Parents across the three groups
more apt to believe that government funding for child
point to schools that fail to adequately teach children as
care and health programs would be a very effective
another very serious problem. And wide majorities -
approach to help kids (56%. 45% versus 36%).
more than 7 in 10 in each group - decry sex and vio-
Interestingly. black parents continue to stand out in
lence in the media as threatening to the well-being of
support of such programs even when their incomes
young people. No wonder parents - across all groups
reach middle-class levels. By contrast. although such
- overwhelmingly deem it harder than ever to be a
programs draw support among lower-income white
youngster growing up in the U.S.
and Hispanic parents. that support declines when their
incomes rise. 12
Moreover. parents perceive these social threats to be
widespread and not at all unique to youngsters from
The racial or ethnic background of parents makes lit-
disadvantaged backgrounds. For example. about 7 in
tle difference. however. when it comes to views on the
10 black. Hispanic. and white parents believe the risks
efficacy of welfare programs. Few black. Hispanic, or
of crime and gangs are widespread. Even higher per-
white parents have very much faith in the effective-
centages across all three groups believe drug or alco-
ness of such programs (16%, 13%. and 8%. respec-
hol abuse by kids is widespread. and not limited to
tively). What's more. about 7 in 10 parents in the
those from lower income families. African American
three groups think government programs to help at-
parents do add another problem to the list of threats:
risk families have led to mostly mixed results. not
58% point to a lack of strong communities where-
success. Like the general public, minority parents
30
© 1997 Public Agenda
attribute the lack of success to their sense that the
But black parents also seem to be more careful about
families that need such programs do not make good
helping. For example. 6 in 10 black parents say you
use of them. It is little wonder that. when it comes to
have to be careful when
helping parents who have serious trouble raising their
helping because some
kids. all three groups of parents would first look to
people will try to take
When talking about kids
volunteer groups or neighbors - not government.
advantage of good
today, shared perceptions
intentions. while
seem to be the norm. It
African American parents - and to a lesser extent.
Hispanic and white par-
makes very little differ-
Hispanic parents - are also more likely to cite eco-
ents are far less likely
ence whether one is an
nomic pressures on parents as a serious problem
to hold this view (43%
African American,
(60%. 53%. and 42%. respectively). Consequently.
and 34%). African
Hispanic, or white parent.
they also believe a proposal to increase wages and job
American parents are
security of parents would be an effective way to help
also more likely to say
kids (60%. 51%. and +4%. respectively). Once again.
they help when they see the difference it makes to the
black parents across income levels often continue to
other person. Both African American and Hispanic
worry about the impact of economic stress on kids
parents are more likely to want to make sure recipi-
and families. and to support increased wages and job
ents of help truly want their assistance before they
security. For white - and to a lesser extent. Hispanic
come forward.
- parents. levels of concern about such issues more
closely track income levels. 13
From Where You Sit
Helping And Volunteering
When it comes to views about young people today.
more often than not, African American. Hispanic. and
Although African American. Hispanic. and white par-
white parents have a shared understanding of the
ents generally share the same positive views toward
problem - and its solution. In turn. their views are
helping and volunteerism. some differences do stand
rather close to those of Americans in general. This is
out.
hardly surprising. When it comes to views toward
race relations or criminal justice. differing historical
African American parents would be much more com-
and personal experiences can lead to differing percep-
fortable than Hispanics or whites telling a neighbor
tual lenses. But on most other issues - for example.
that their child had gotten into mischief (59% versus
education - attitudinal differences across racial and
37% and 37%) substantially more likely to be willing
ethnic groups are usually modest at best. And when
to volunteer for an organization that helps kids (63%
talking about kids today. shared perceptions seem to
versus 53% and 49%) and to say they had made a
be the norm. It makes very little difference whether
difference in the life of someone who was not a fami-
one is an African American. Hispanic. or white par-
ly member 161% versus 45% and 47%).
ent. or whether one is watching and interacting with
kids as a nonparent.
KIDS THESE DAYS: What Americans Really Think About The Next Generation
31
Special Focus: What Kids Have To Say
Teenagers surveyed as part of this study generally describe themselves as happy and say they have warm rela-
tions with their parents and other adults in their lives. But large numbers also say they have plenty of time on
their hands and describe an environment filled with hazards and potential trouble. A third say there is no adult
in the house when they come home and about a quarter admit that they have engaged in risky behavior such as
smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol.
Thus far. Kids These Davs has reported what adults
ing parents are critical to the emotional well-being of
think about young people today: their concern that
children - and most everyone agrees they are -
adolescents fall far short when it comes to character
most youngsters say they are in good shape when it
and conduct: and their belief that parents. with very
comes to this dimension of parenting.
little help from society, are responsible for this state
of affairs. But what do young people have to say
About 8 in 10 (81%) say "I can always trust my par-
about themselves. their friends. and the environment
ents to be there for me when I need them." In fact. the
in which they live? To find out. the study probed the
percentage of adolescents saying they trust their par-
views of 600 adolescents 12 to 17 years of age using
ents to be there for them is higher than the percentage
a questionnaire designed both to compare their views
saying the same of their friends (81% versus 62%) -
to those of adults. and to capture attitudes unique to
an unexpected finding given all the focus on how
them.
important peers and friends are in young people's
lives. Almost 7 in 10 (68%) say they get a hug or kiss
I'm OK
from their parents almost every day. And few
teenagers find a statement designed to capture that
The vision of sullen. alienated youth seems to fly in
ever-present "generation gap" compelling. A surpris-
the face of what young people have to say about
ingly low 24% say "My parents don't really under-
themselves. Most America's adolescents report they
stand the problems I face" captures the way they feel.
are doing well - not only when it comes to their
physical well-being but on a personal level as well. A
These positive reinforcements often continue when
little more than 6 in 10 (61%) say the description "I
youngsters leave the house and interact with adults.
am usually happy comes very close to capturing how
Nearly 8 in 10 (79%) say the adults they run across
they feel. And. in what might be
outside of school are friendly toward them and their
a surprise to many adults. two-
friends. About two-thirds (65%) say they get a com-
important to reiterate
thirds 166% say "faith in God is
pliment or encouraging word from adults almost
the public's funda-
an important part of my life." and
every day. And 7 in 10 (70%) have adults other than
tal concerns about
about equally as many (68%) say
parents they can talk with about 3 serious problem.
19 people center not
they attend religious services at
Responding to a question about whom adolescents
heir day-to-day happi-
least once a month.
could confide in. this Denver teen said. "My next-
but on the quality
door neighbors I've known them for five years and
quantity of moral
Nor do the vast majority of ado-
we're really close. I tell them everything. And if I
ance they receive
lescents worry about physical
can't talk to my parents about it. then I tell them."
and financial deprivation. Three
in four young people (75%) do not worry at all about
Why Are Kids Saying Such Nice Things?
one parent losing a job. and 72% do not worry at all
that their family will not have money to take care of
At first brush. the way youngsters describe their own
the basics. About 3 in 4 adolescents (74%) say they
relationships with adults seems entirely incompatible
never have to "worry about having enough food or a
with what adults have been saying about them
place to sleep The large majority of youngsters seem
throughout this study. What accounts for these vastly
to live secure and comfortable lives. although the
differing viewpoints? This study was not intended to
finding that even a quarter of the nation's young peo-
be the definitive accounting of the day-to-day lives,
ple are sometimes anxious about having enough to eat
attitudes. and experiences young people go through.
or a place to live will undoubtedly disturb many
But the data do suggest some reasons for the contrast-
Americans.
ing views of adults and youngsters.
My Parents Are OK
Although it is obvious that most youngsters do not
have routinely antagonistic relationships with adults
When youngsters talk about their own parents. they
- nor are they particularly dissatisfied with the major
describe them as supportive and giving. If caring. lov-
features of their lives - it is important to reiterate
32
© 1997 Public Agenda
that the public's fundamental concerns about voung
guidance and attention from adults. while 42% say
people center not on their dav-to-dav happiness. but
things are about right. "It is true." said another
on the quality and quantity of moral guidance they
Westchester teen. "when you have a lot of free time
receive. In fact. it is not unlikely that some adults
on your hands. you are going to sometimes get into
interviewed for this project might think many young-
bad things or else you will be totally bored."
sters would be better off if they occasionally had a
few antagonistic encounters with adults telling them
Still another question is whether most youngsters
to behave themselves.
have the life experience and perspective to truly judge
whether they are personally getting the supervision
Attention Deficit
and adult guidance they need. It may be too much to
expect teenagers to conduct a self-conscious account-
But do youngsters themselves sense that they are not
ing of their personal freedom. their own shortcomings
getting the guidance they need? The results of Public
and those of the people who they are closest to and
Agenda's 1997 study. Getting By: What American
most dependent upon. Among the youth surveyed
Teenagers Really Think About Their Schools. suggest
here, it seems far easier to see gaps and shortcomings
that many youngsters do want more structure and
in other youngsters and in other people's parents. than
supervision in their lives. It showed students were
to judge their own parents and their own behavior as
drawn to caring but firm teachers. to more rigorous
lacking.
academic standards. and to policies that made expec-
tations of their behavior clear. High school students
My Friends' Parents
thought highly of teachers who managed to both care
about them and run a focused classroom where little
While they have good things to say about their own
nonsense was tolerated. They also strongly supported
parents. adolescents are far more equivocal about
measures to remove disruptive students from
other parents around them. While over half (57%) say
classrooms.
most parents do an excellent or good job of raising
their kids, a substantial number - 43% - think they
There are also indications in this study that many ado-
are doing only a fair or poor job.
lescents may not be getting the sort of attention and
"A friend of mine - her parents
Seven in ten youngsters
supervision they need. One-third (33%) say there is
aren't together." said a Denver
(69%) do not belong to
no adult at home when they return from school. And
teen. "and when her father comes
any club or organization
53% reported that there was no parent or guardian in
along her parents are always
outside of school.
the room as they were answering the questions to this
arguing. and her little sister and
survey - a survey that lasted about 23 minutes on
brother are always hearing their
average. and asked about relatively private attitudes
arguments. And the mother's into drugs. It's not a
and experiences. Although phone interviewers were
happy life." Parents who are failing to fulfill their
encouraged to provide details to kids and their
responsibilities may not be the rule. according to
guardians about how to contact Public Agenda for fur-
youngsters. but they are also hardly the exception.
ther information about the organization and the
study's purpose. only one parent called Public Agenda
Some of the specific criticisms young people have of
offices to inquire about the purpose and content of the
today's parents echo the criticisms of the general pub-
survey in which her child had taken part.
lic. although often by lesser margins. About 4 in 10
(41%) adolescents think parents who have children
At Malls, People's Houses, Wherever
before they're ready to take responsibility are very
common. Another 43% believe parents who spoil
The public's concern that young people do not have
their kids are very common: one-third (33%) that par-
enough meaningful things to do in structured environ-
ents fail to discipline their kids. The need for setting
ments may be well placed. according to what the
limits was apparent to this California teen: "We have
youngsters say. Seven in 10 youngsters (69%) do not
this one friend who has this mom who is so devoted
belong to any club or organization outside of school.
to him, he just fools around with her. He calls her by
When meeting friends. 7 in 10 say they usually hang
her first name: 'I need this. come give it to me. And
out without anything specific to do; only 28% get
she does it." And parents do not get stellar marks for
together to do something specific. "I hang out with
raising their kids with the right values: only about 4 in
my friends." said a Westchester teen, "at malls, peo-
10 (39%) say parents who are good role models and
ple's houses. wherever."
teach their kids right from wrong are very common.
"My friend's parents just don't care. they are never
While adolescents have a reputation for wanting more
home." said a California teen." There is food in the
freedom and less supervision. in this study, many
house, but they are never there to talk or confide in.
youngsters seem to think that too many of them do
so he turns to friends. It's not a question of a poverty
not receive enough guidance and attention: Nearly
stricken home - he just has no one to confide in."
half (49%) believe most people their age need more
KIDS THESE DAYS: What Americans Really Think About the Next Generation
33
Something's Wrong
fort: the numbers indicate many adolescents live in
ironments where threats and dangers are common-
For the most part. these results do not portray the lev-
place.
els of blame and finger-pointing found among the gen-
eral public and of parents themselves. and that may be
A Fight Every Day
good news. But the very fact that substantial numbers
of young people have noticed something wrong with
At school. this Denver youth had a far more practical
how many parents are doing their job is telling.
concern than fitting in: "I've just got to watch my
back and make sure they don't try to jump somebody
One might say it's only natural for young people to
or me. They take shoes. clothes... In Long Beach.
jump at the chance to turn the tables on adults and
this teen reported that trouble was an everyday occur-
criticize them for a change. But youngsters also give
rence: "At my school. the people are getting worse.
parents their due: half (50%) say parents who sacri-
There is a fight every day. It used to be a good neigh-
fice and work hard so their kids have a better life are
borhood. now there is tagging (graffiti) every where.
very common. Many youngsters. such as this one
At a party. there always has to be a fight."
from California. also acknowledge "it is tougher to be
a parent today than it was 20 years ago." And the
Risky Business
things youngsters criticize in parents - spoiling chil-
dren. not taking responsibility for them. failing to
But some youngsters do more than merely observe
teach them right from wrong - are hardly self-
the dangers around them. Forty percent say "my par-
serving. And. once again. large
ents would be very upset if they knew some of the
numbers hold these views regard-
things my friends have done." What's more. the num-
fifth (22%) of
less of their economic circum-
ber of adolescents who admit they themselves are
lescents come
stances: using free/reduced lunch
crossing some lines and taking some risks is far from
OSS gangs every day
eligibility to distinguish disad-
insignificant. One in four youngsters (26%) admit to
vantaged youngsters from those
smoking cigarettes in the past six months: 1 in 4
who are better off. middle-class
(26%) to drinking alcohol: 13% to using illegal drugs:
kids are as critical as those who are disadvantaged. If
and 10% to getting into trouble with the police.
this many young people take parents to task for fail-
ing to provide guidance and values to their genera-
This behavior does not seem limited to lower-income
tion. it is little wonder that adults are far more upset.
youth. Both youngsters who are disadvantaged and
those who are better off are as likely to see people
Dangers Lurking
their age using drugs or alcohol every day or almost
every day (45% and 40%. respectively): to report they
Once they leave the immediate context and safety of
themselves had used illegal drugs in the past 6 months
their home. these young people talk - in focus
(14% and 11%. respectively): and to have had alcohol
groups and the survey - about a very different reality
to drink (25% for both groups). The disadvantaged.
they see close up. one they are exposed to everyday.
however. are more likely to come across gangs by a
They talk about how friends. other people their age,
31% to 18% margin.
and sometimes they themselves get into trouble -
sometimes serious trouble. And where in the past kids
Be Careful How You Look
may have worried about fitting in. budding romance.
or the neighborhood bully. today youngsters talk
Adults. as noted earlier. fault today's young people
about drugs. fighting. and gangs. as a daily fact of life
for a preoccupation with things material. For their
they had to deal with. "Most kids I know are strug-
part. there seems to be no more conspicuous manifes-
gling." said a Denver teen. "Drug addiction. gang vio-
tation of this preoccupation than the clothes they
lence To hear them describe it. their world is full of
wear. More than 6 in 10 (63%) adolescents believe
dangers. requiring them to be ever-watchful and on
that most or all people their age pay too much atten-
guard.
tion to their appearance what they wear and what
they look like. The pressure to keep up appearances is
These are more than focus group impressions. About
there. although many youngsters deny that they are
4 in 10 (41%) say that they see people their age using
personally affected by it. In Westchester. one 10th-
drugs or alcohol every day or almost every day. About
grader wearing a Calvin Klein tee-shirt. designer
a third (34%) report being to a party in the past 6
jeans and the requisite three or four earrings insisted
months where other kids were drunk. Three in 10
that she would never allow another teen to influence
(30% say their parents "press me to stay home
what she buys because "that girl is not the one paying
because they think it's not safe out there." One-fifth
for my clothes I am." Peer pressure is often more
(22%) come across gangs every day or almost every
subtle than crude. Based on this study it seems more
day. These are not majorities. but that is small com-
often a function of milieu rather than direct taunting.
34
© 1997 Public Agenda
And today. young people find themselves in a milieu
family is that way that's how I was raised. to help
fostered by targeted marketing. advertising. and
people out" said a California teen. About 6 in 10
celebrity endorsement. one that is commonly tolerated
(59%) youngsters would be very comfortable watch-
by the adults and authority figures in their lives.
ing a younger child for a neighbor as a favor. without
pay: and 60% have recently done it. Two-thirds 167%)
If adolescents report their peers are paying very care-
would be very comfortable running errands for a
ful attention to how they dress. they also report they
neighbor; and half (51%) have recently done so.
are not paying careful attention to how they treat each
other. Only one-fifth (21%) say most people their age
Adolescents also are willing to contribute to commu-
are very respectful toward each other. In Long Beach.
nity-wide efforts to help the needy. For example. 55%
California a teenager compared her experience grow-
would feel very comfortable volunteering at a hospital
ing up in England to that in the U.S.: "In England.
or church: about half (51%) would be very comfort-
kids. you look at them and they smile at you. Here
able feeding poor or homeless in a soup kitchen. It is
you look at them and they are like. 'What are you
interesting to note the drop off. however. between
looking at?" And one girl in Denver reported this
willingness to help and actually helping. one similar
behavior crossed the line into abuse: "Some of the
to that found among adults. Only
girls are really ruthless. If they just see you and they
37% of youngsters. for example.
don't like the way you look or how you are walking,
report they have recently volun-
Rather than simply play-
they 11 start something with you. For a while
I
had
teered at a hospital or church. It
ing the role of the passive
these girls calling my house. following me home from
seems that the same ground rules
beneficiaries, many
school." Nor do young people rate adolescents' behav-
regarding helping that prevail
youngsters themselves are
ior toward adults very highly - only 26% say people
among adults often prevail among
interested in helping.
their age are very respectful of adults. "I have a friend
youngsters as well. The reciproci-
who has no respect for her dad at all." said a Califor-
ty norm seems. for example. to be
nia teen. "She calls him very bad names to his face.
widely espoused by young Americans: 69% say
and she just has no respect.
someone who gets help should express their gratitude:
and 56% say someone who gets help should return
In the end. youngsters are hardly more optimistic than
the favor when they can.
adults about having faith in their generation's capacity
to change the world for the better. About 6 in 10(57%)
To Give Is To Receive
say people their age will not make much difference to
the country or even make it worse: one-third (32%)
Some of the things young people say may be hearten-
think they will make it better. Historically. young peo-
ing for those who suspect that kids are not as bad as
ple have often been dismissive of adults and the world
many think they are. Other findings confirm that
they had fashioned. beaming with a self-confident "step
things could be much better. But one compelling
aside and let us do the job" attitude. They now seem to
theme emerging here is that many young people are
display little confidence that they themselves will be up
ready. willing. and able to help others and help each
to the task.
other. Many children's advocates look at society and
ask what can be done to help kids. But rather than
If I Am Only For Myself
simply playing the role of the passive beneficiaries.
many youngsters themselves are interested in helping.
There does seem to be a large pool of potential energy
not only their friends and neighbors. but others in the
among oungsters waiting to be tapped. Young people
community. The potential resonance of this theme is
today are not only waiting for help and guidance; they
threefold: it fits nicely with the notion of reciprocity
seem very willing to help and guide each other. and to
about helping that the public already has: it contradicts
help adults who need it.
the widely-held image of spoiled kids who lack char-
acter: and. perhaps most importantly. it meshes per-
As with the adults in this study. fully 7 in 10 (70%)
fectly with the public's focus on teaching children
youngsters subscribe to the notion that people should
character and responsibility.
help others because it's the right thing to do. "My
KIDS THESE DAYS. What Americans Really Think About The Next Generation
35
AFTERWORD
People have very negative feelings about today's
The Need For Responsible Adults
youngsters. and they fault parents for the problems
they see. At the same time. they readily acknowledge
People of every persuasion are crying out for adults
how tough it is to be a parent in today world -
- in any guise - to help youngsters become peace-
even as they feel compassion for what the young are
able. disciplined. and respectable human beings. They
up against.
want schools to play a very significant role. They
want children to be taught such values as honesty. tol-
To some. the public's voice in Kids These Davs may
erance. and respect for others. and they want students
sound strident at times. or even contradictory. But
to be held accountable for their behavior.
Americans do recognize the complexity of the prob-
lem. People are critical of parents and kids. but they
Further. they call for parents to begin taking parenting
are also sensitive to the prob-
seriously. to understand the sacrifices that must be
lems they face. But most
here are troubling
made. to understand that all young people need disci-
important of all. they are nei-
bstacles to volunteerism
pline and limits to thrive. and thereby start life on the
ther confused nor ambivalent
at do not lend them-
right foot. And. they endorse the need for individuals.
elves to a quick fix or
on how best to help the
schools. and agencies other than the government to
youngsters. People are riveted
lever slogan.
step in and fill the gaps when parents have serious
by one goal - the necessity
trouble raising their children properly.
of teaching all children the
values of integrity. ethical behavior. concern for others.
As we have observed. however. there are troubling
respect. civility. compassion. and responsibility. They
obstacles to volunteerism that do not lend themselves
believe that these values are the arsenal children need
to a quick fix or clever slogan. Free time is increas-
to become responsible adults and to benefit society.
ingly hard to come by these days. but discomfort over
intruding into someone else's life is the real action-
A Sweeping Diagnosis
stopper. Reserve and hesitancy have overwhelmed
old-fashioned "neighborliness." People simply seem
Many of those who spend their professional lives
to have lost confidence that "people are people"
helping children worry that America pays lip service
everywhere.
to the young but doesn't really care about them. We
found quite the opposite to be true. People are deeply
No Magic Bullets
concerned. They are frightened for these children.
who seem to be growing up with such serious deficits
America has not reached this impasse overnight. nor
in character and morals. And sadly. in some cases.
will the situation be remedied in a fortnight. There is
they are frightened of these children as well. As the
no magic potion that will quickly unleash the public's
study points out. however. such attitudes are not
desire to care for all of the nation's youngsters. But
reserved solely for teenagers: nor are they directed
the public has defined the path we must follow to
exclusively at the residents of our most disadvantaged
regain our footing.
inner cities. The diagnosis is much more sweeping,
encompassing all of society and including the
For many of those who have labored long and hard to
very young.
help children and teenagers. this message may be tough
to take. But if we are truly committed to engaging all
Traditional child advocacy has historically focused on
Americans in the business of improving the lot of all
ending poverty and improving the health of young
youngsters. the centerpiece of such an endeavor must
people through expanded nutrition and medical care.
surely be the creation of a morally intact generation.
While many people find these goals persuasive. and
few Americans adamantly oppose them. they are -
given the focus of the public's concerns - somewhat
beside the point.
Deborah Wadsworth
Executive Director. Public Agenda
36
© 1997 Public Agenda
TABLE I: VIEWS ON TEENAGERS
Now I'm going to describe different types of teenagers and ask if you think they are common or not.
How about teenagers who [INSERT ITEM]? Are they very common. somewhat common. not too
common. or not common at all?"!
Parents
African
General
American
Hispanic
White
% saying "very common"
Parents
of
public
parents
teens
parents
parents
Face social problems like drugs.
62%
66%
62%
71%
72%
64%
gangs. or crime
Get into trouble because they have
50
51
45
63
61
49
too much free time
Have poor work habits and lack
41
40
43
49
46
38
self-discipline
Lack good role models
36
36
35
43
34
36
Are wild and disorderly in public
30
33
30
49
43
31
Are lively and fun to be around
29
25
24
35
25
25
Are friendly and helpful toward
12
10
12
16
14
10
their neighbors
Treat people with respect
12
9
9
17
11
8
1
Teenagers were defined for respondents as 13 to 17 years old
Sample Sizes:
General public = 2.000: Parents = 763: Parents of Teens = 162: Parents of Children = 293: African American Parents =
367: Hispanic Parents = 348 White Parents = 596: Youth = 600.
KIDS THESE DAYS: What Americans Really Think About The Next Generation
37
TABLE 2: VIEWS ON CHILDREN
Now I'm going to déscribe different types of children and ask if you think they are common or not.
How about children who are [INSERT ITEM]? Are they very common. somewhat common. not too
common. or not common at all?"!
Parents
African
General
American
Hispanic
White
% saying "very common"
Parents
of
public
children
parents
parents
parents
Face social problems like drugs.
54%
56%
52%
63%
58%
53%
gangs. or crime
Are spoiled and do not appreciate
48
49
44
54
51
48
what they have
Don't get enough attention and
46
45
42
45
47
45
support from adults
Are bright and eager to learn
32
32
37
40
37
32
Are out of control in public areas
31
30
28
39
34
29
such as restaurants and movies
Are lazy and do not apply
30
30
30
38
28
28
themselves
Are physically or sexually abused
21
23
21
31
29
21
Are friendly and helpful toward
17
17
22
25
19
16
their neighbors
Treat people with respect
12
11
14
20
14
9
1 Children were defined for respondents as older than 5 but not yet teenagers.
38
© 1997 Public Agenda
TABLE 3: VIEWS ON PARENTS
Non I'm going to describe different types of parents and ask if you think they are common or not. How
about parents who [INSERT ITEM]? Are they very common. somewhat common. not too common. or
not common at all?"
General
African
Hispanic
White
% saying "very common"
public
Parents
American
Youth
parents
parents
parents
(12-17 years old)
Mothers who have to give up time with
their kids to work so their families can
75%
78%
83%
76%
79%
NA
make ends meet
People who have children
before they are ready to take
63
65
72
69
63
41
responsibility for them
Parents who break up too easily
instead of trying to stay together for
55
57
56
57
58
31
the sake of their kids
Parents who sacrifice and work hard so
51
54
65
58
52
50
that their kids can have a better life
Parents who do not know how to
51
52
54
56
51
32
communicate with their kids
Parents who think buying things for
their kids means the same thing as car-
50
51
53
52
51
29
ing for them
Parents who fail to discipline
50
50
58
49
50
33
their children
Parents who spoil their kids
49
50
56
46
50
43
Parents who resent advice about their
kids even when It comes from people
43
42
48
44
40
NA
who mean well
Fathers who act like their careers are
35
35
47
more important than their kids
39
33
NA
Parents who care more about their jobs
NA
NA
NA
than their kids
NA
NA
11
Parents who abuse welfare and teach
32
31
41
43
their kids to depend on handouts
29
NA
Mothers who give up time with their
kids and go to work to gain personal
27
29
32
33
26
NA
satisfaction
People who are failures as parents and
should never have had kids to begin
22
21
31
29
17
12
with
Fathers who are affectionate and loving
toward their kids¹
22
20
24
20
20
35
Parents who are good role models and
22
teach their kids right from wrong
19
32
25
18
39
1. Wording for Youth: "Fathers who are warm and loving toward their kids"
KIDS THESE DAYS What Americans Really Think About The Next Generation
39
TABLE 4: PROBLEMS FACING TODAY'S KIDS
"I'm going to describe different problems and ask if you think each is a serious problem facing
today's kids. How about [INSERT ITEM]? Is that problem very serious. somewhat serious. not
too serious. or not serious at all for today's kids?"
[If "very" or "somew hat serious":] "Do you think this problem mostly affects kids from lower
income families. or is it widespread?"
saying problem is "very serious"
General
African
Parents
Hispanic
White
American
a saying problem is "widespread"¹
public
parents
parents
parents
Kids abusing drugs or alcohol
71%
69%
79%
83%
67%
Kids abusing drugs or alcohol is widespread
95
95
93
93
95
Kids seeing 100 much violence or sex on television
69
71
and in the movies
76
75
71
Kids seeing too much violence/sex in the
96
97
95
95
98
media is widespread
Kids threatened by crime or gangs
62
64
77
77
60
Kids threatened by crime/gangs IS widespread
67
70
75
73
71
Kids failing to learn such values as honesty.
61
63
67
66
62
respect and responsibility
Kids failing to learn values is widespread
91
91
88
90
92
Walfare programs that encourage single-parent
58
57
66
62
55
families and teen pregnancy
Welfare programs encouraging single-parent
46
47
55
50
46
familie>/teen pregnancies is widespread
Punise schools that rail to give kids a good
49
52
60
53
49
education
Public schools tailing to give kids a good
76
77
61
71
80
education IS widespread
Fewer families teaching their kids religious faith
49
50
58
55
48
and values
Fewer families teaching religion/values is
95
95
91
92
95
widespread
Kids suffering because of economic pressure on
44
44
60
53
42
heir parents
Kids suffering from economic pressure on
64
67
64
61
69
parents is widespread
Kids lacking the support of strong communities
40
44
58
45
41
where neighbors care about them
Kids lacking support from communities is
80
82
74
72
widespread
84
Families facing a shortage of government
27
30
47
36
27
programs that support kids
Shortage of government programs that support
50
51
43
kids is widespread
54
51
Percentages saying problems are widespread are based on respondents who indentified the problems as either very or
hat serious
10
©
1997 Public Agenda
TABLE 5: WAYS TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE
Now I'll read different ways to help kids and ask how effective you think each would be. Do you think
that [INSERT ITEM] would be a very effective way to help kids. somewhat effective. not too effective.
or not effective at all?
General
African
Hispanic
White
% saying "very effective"
public
Parents
American
Youth
parents
parents
parents
(12.17 years old)
Improving the quality of the public
67%
71%
76%
67%
schools-
70%
51%
More programs and activities for
kids to do after school in places
60
60
75
67
57
46
like community centers
Employers giving parents more flexible
work schedules so they can spend more
55
57
66
59
58
NA
time with their kids
Nighttime curtens after which kids
could not be on the streets without
53
55
63
66
54
30
their parents
More involvement by volunteer organi-
zations dedicated to kids. like the Boy
53
51
61
55
50
NA
Scouts and the YMCA
Pressuring the entertainment industry
to produce movies and music with less
49
50
54
58
49
26
violence and sex
Tougher punishment for kids who
48
5.1
50
48
52
49
commit crime
Neighbors spending more time with
47
49
kids and watching out for them
59
46
48
33
Increasing the wages and job security
44
46
60
51
44
NA
of parents
Holding parents legally responsible
37
35
32
37
37
15
when their kids get into trouble
More government funding for child
34
37
56
45
36
NA
care and health care programs
Increasing government funding for
such welfare programs as AFDC and
10
8
16
13
8
NA
food stamps
I Wording for youth: "Now I'll read different ways to help kids and ask how effective you think each would be."
2. Wording for youth: "Making the public schools better"
KIDS THESE DAYS: What Americans Really Think About The Next Generation
41
TABLE 6: GENERAL VIEWS OF HELPING
Now I'll read you statements about helping people. Please tell me how close each come to your own
view. [INSERT STATEMENT.] Is that very close. somewhat close. not too close or not close at all to
your view
General
African
Hispanic
White
Youth
% saying "very close"
Parents
American
public
parents
parents
parents
(12-17 years old)
People should help others because it is
75%
75%
76%
65%
76%
70
the right thing to do
Someone who gets help should show
60
60
71
57
60
69
that he appreciates It
You have to be careful to avoid embar-
russing people when you 15y to help
56
54
64
53
52
42
them
People usually help out of the good-
55
53
57
61
53
40
ness of their hearts
When someone gets help he should
reciprocate and return the favor when
51
50
54
41
52
56
he can
People who help others are usually
44
41
52
44
41
NA
appreciated
You have to be careful because some
people will try to take advantage of
37
37
60
43
34
37
you when you try to help
Many people help only when they
24
21
31
22
19
NA
think they can get something in return
People who spend J for of time helping
others often corget to take care of their
17
16
23
23
15
NA
wan families
Many people help only when they feel
16
13
20
15
12
NA
embarrassed or pressured to do so
People who help often interfere in
14
14
17
16
13
NA
other people's personal affairs
Wording for youth Someone who gets help should return the favor when he can"
42
1997 Public Agenda
TABLE 7: HELPING - COMFORT LEVEL AND BEHAVIOR
"Now I'll describe different ways of trying to help kids and ask which you would feel comfortable doing
and which you would feel uncomfortable doing. How about [INSERT ITEM]? Would you feel very com-
fortable doing that. somewhat comfortable. somewhat uncomfortable. or very uncomfortable?"*
"Have you done anything like that in the past six months?"
% saying they would
% saying "yes"
African
they have done
General
American
Hispanic
White
be "very comfortable"
Parents
doing item
something like Item
public
parents
parents
parents
in past six months
Complimenting a neighbor's child who
85%
70%
89%
78%
89%
76%
81%
71%
89%
79%
has done a good deed or done well in school
Taking some extra time off from work
NA
NA
80
72
81
69
82
69
79
72
just to do something special with your kids¹
Watching a child for a neighbor who has
71
52
79
70
74
65
73
65
79
69
to run an errand
Taking a child to a ball game or a show-
62
43
71
60
75
54
69
60
71
60
Helping out a neighbor who is a new mother with a
56
29
66
37
70
43
64
39
66
35
baby
Having 3 serious discussion with a teenager who is
52
46
56
52
69
61
52
45
54
51
not your own about a problem they are having
Volunteering to be a mentor or to help in some way at
48
24
55
33
61
34
56
29
54
32
a local school
Joining a volunteer organization that helps kids'
47
23
52
28
63
27
53
17
49
28
Taking some action if you suspect a neighbor IS
abusing their child
47
10
48
11
59
12
51
11
49
11
Telling kids who are misbehaving in a public area to
39
47
44
58
50
60
40
51
44
58
behave themselves
Knocking on a neighbor's door if you think the family
38
26
40
29
46
32
39
23
40
29
needs help
Telling a neighbor that their child had been getting
33
28
39
39
59
43
37
37
37
38
into mischief
1. Asked of parents or guardians of children under 18 who live with them
2. Wording for parents/guardians: "Taking a child who is not your own to a ball game or a show"
3 Follow-up question: "Are you now a member of this type of organization?" Chart shows percent saying "yes"
.
Respondents were assured that no one would contact them about doing any of these activities.
KIDS THESE DAYS: What Americans Really Think About The Next Generation
43
TABLE 8: WAYS TO VOLUNTEER
Suppose you wanted to do something new to help kids and you were considering different options
What if [INSERT ITEM]? Would that make you more likely to help. less likely. or would it not make
much difference? IIF LIKELY: Is that much more likely or somewhat more likely?]*
African
General
Hispanic
White
% saying "much more likely"
Parents
American
public
parents
parents
parents
You could bring kids along to an activity you already
to with your own children
NA%
50%
56%
57%
48%
You could help occasionally. whenever you found
47
49
51
52
49
extra time. instead of making a regular commitment
You could take kids to something you enjoyed. like a
45
49
58
55
48
hobby or a sports event
You could develop a special bond with one child
37
41
46
43
39
Your close friends were already involved
34
35
35
43
36
You could meet new triends while helping kids
32
34
44
41
32
The kids you were helping came from an
14
13
22
20
10
inner-city neighborhood
You could donate your time to a kids' organization
12
11
18
21
without dealing with the kids themselves
9
I
t-ked of parents or guardians of children under 18 who live with them.
Respondents were assured that no one would contact them about doing any of these activities
44
©
1997 Public Agenda
TABLE 9: THE VIEWS OF YOUNG PEOPLE
Now I'll ask you how close each of the following statements comes to how you feel. [INSERT STATE-
MENT.] Is that very close. somewhat close. not too close or not close at all to your view?"
Youth
% saying "very close"
(12-17 years old)
I can always trust my parents to be there for me when I need them
81%
If I ever need to talk to an adult. there IS someone other than my parents I can go to
70
Faith in God IS an important part of my life
66
I can always trust my friends to be there for me when I need them
62
I am usually happy
61
I am good at helping other kids with their problems
48
Many of the adults in my neighborhood know me by name
46
My parents would be very upset if they knew some of the things my friends have done
40
My parents sometimes press me to stay home in the evening because they think it's not safe out there
30
When my friends and I are in stores or at the mall. He often get suspicious looks. as if we're up to no good
25
My parents don't really understand the problems I face
24
I avoid certain areas in my neighborhood just to be sate
24
I enjoy spending time with people who are in their 60s or older
21
KIDS THESE DAYS: What Americans Really Think About The Next Generation
45
TABLE 10: YOUNG PEOPLE'S EXPERIENCES
Now I'm going to describe some things and ask how often you experience them. How often do you
[INSERT STATEMENT]? Every day. almost every day. sometimes. almost never. or never?
Youth
% saying "every day" or "almost every day"
(12-17 years old)
Get a hug or kiss from your parents
68%
Get J compliment or encouraging words from adults
65
Come across teachers who really care about their students
60
Get help or advice from your parents with homework or school projects
51
See people your age using drugs or alcohol
41
Feel bored
39
Come across adults who have a hard time dealing with people your age
34
Come across people who try to put you down
30
Get excited by something you study in school
26
Wish you had more good friends
26
Cut corners when it comes to schoolwork
24
Feel tense or nervous about your day
24
Come across gangs
22
Get into in argument with your parents
22
Come across people who try to intimidate or bully you
18
Worry about how well your parents are getting along
18
Worry about having enough food or a place to sleep
5
Get into a physical fight with other people your age
4
46
© 1997 Public Agenda
TABLE II: COMFORT LEVEL AND BEHAVIOR OF YOUNG PEOPLE
Now I'll describe different ways of helping and ask which you feel comfortable doing and which you
would feel uncomfortable doing How about [INSERT ITEM]? Would you feel very comfortable.
somew hat comfortable. somewhat uncomfortable, or very uncomfortable doing that?"*
"Have you done anything like that in the past six months?"
% saying "very comfortable"
% saying "yes," they have done something
Youth
like item in the past six months
(12-17 years old)
Running an errand for a neighbor who needed help
67%
51%
Watching a younger child for a neighbor as a favor. without getting paid
59
60
Doing volunteer work once a week at a place like a hospital or church
55
37
Helping to feed poor or homeless people at a place like a soup kitchen
51
24
Volunteering to tutor kids at school
47
37
Spending time once a week with very old people who need company
44
41
.
Respondents were assured that no one would contact them about doing any of these activities.
KIDS THESE DAYS: What Americans Really Think About The Next Generation
47
ENDNOTES
1. Princeton Survey Research Associates (sponsored
with the statement "Most serious problems in our
by Newsweek and NBC News). National telephone
society stem mainly from economic and financial
survey of 656 adults. conducted April. 1997. "Which
pressure on the family." Eleven percent volunteered
of the following IS a bigger threat to the United
that they agreed with both statements and 1% were
States foreign nations working against us. or young
not sure which statement was closer to their view.
Americans without education. job prospects or con-
nections to mainstream American life?" Foreign
5. John Locke. An Essav Concerning Human
nations. 18%: Young Americans. 74%: Don't know.
Understanding. (ed. Peter H. Nidditch). Oxford:
8%
Clarendon Press. 1975.
2. For example. Princeton Survey Research Associates
6. See: First Things First: What Americans Expect
has conducted many surveys that include questions on
from the Public Schools. Public Agenda. 1994: and
attitudes toward teenagers. including the Family
Getting By. p.42.
Circle Family Index Project. for Family Circle maga-
zine in June. 1993 and Speaking of Kids-A National
7. For example. see Great Expectations: How
Survey of Children and Parents (June 1991). conduct-
American Voters View Children's Issues (published by
ed for the National Commission on Children.
the Coalition for America's Children. 1997) and the
National Opinion Research Center's General Social
3. After hitting a low of 27% in 1992. the percentage
Survey 1990 for many survey questions on support
of high school seniors who have used any illicit drug
for proposals and programs that benefit children. such
in the past 12 months has increased each year. reach-
as nutrition programs. pre-school programs. health
ing 40% in 1996. Source: National Institute on Drug
care. and child care.
Abuse. Monitoring the Future Study. 1996.
8. The Values We Live By: What Americans Want from
The suicide rate for people ages 15 to 19 increased
Welfare Reform. Public Agenda. 1996.
from 5.9 per 100.000 in 1970 to 10.8 per 100,000 in
1990. More recent data shows that for people ages 15
9. See: First Things First and Assignment
to 24 the suicide rate increased from an estimated
Incomplete: The Unfinished Business of Education
rate of 12.9 per 100.000 in 1992 to 14.9 per 100,000
Reform, Public Agenda. 1995. p. 43.
in 1994. Source: U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services. Trends in the Well-Being of
10. See Public Agenda's three statewide studies on
America's Children and Youth: 1996. p. 88
attitudes toward crime and sentencing : Punishing
Criminals: The Public's View, An Alabama Survey
In 1994. 21.29 of children under 18 lived in poverty.
(1989): Punishing Criminals: The People of Delaware
Source: U.S. Department of Education. National
Consider the Options (1991): and Punishing
Center for Education Statistics. Youth Indicators,
Criminals: Pennsylvanians Consider the Options
1996. p. 54.
(1993).
In 1994. 30% of children lived with either one parent
11. The Values We Live By. p. 18.
(27%) or no parent (3%). Source: U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services. Trends in the Well-Being
12. For example. of those earning $15.000 or less per
of America's Children and Youth: 1996. p. 21.
year. 60% of black parents. 53% of Hispanic parents.
and 52% of white parents think that more government
Forty-eight percent of public school students say "too
funding for children and health care programs would
much drugs and violence in school" is a serious prob-
be a very effective way to help kids. For those earning
lem. and 68% identify cheating on tests and assign-
$25,001 to $40.000 per year. 61% of black parents.
ments as a serious problem. Source: Getting By: What
48% of Hispanic parents and 37% of white parents
American Teenagers Really Think About Their
say the same.
Schools. Public Agenda. 1997, p. 42.
13. For example. of those earning $15,000 or less per
4. Hart and Teeter Research Companies (sponsored by
year. 62% of black parents. 59% of Hispanic parents.
NBC News and the Wall Street Journal). National
and 52% of white parents think increasing the wages
telephone survey of 2.003 adults. conducted
and job security of parents would be a very effective
December. 1996. Fifty-one percent agreed with the
way to help kids. For those earning $25,001 to $40,000
statement "Most serious problems in our society stem
per year. 63% of black parents, 51% of Hispanic par-
mainly from a decline in moral values, 37% agreed
ents and 43% of white parents say the same.
48
© 1997 Public Agenda
METHODOLOGY
Kids These Days: What Americans Really Think
Interviewers were instructed to provide details about
About The Next Generation is based on two telephone
the purpose and content of the study. and to encour-
surveys within the continental United States. The first
age parents to contact Public Agenda if they wished
IS a survey of 2.000 adults aged 18 years or older.
to know more about the survey their child had partici-
plus oversamples of 300 African American and 300
pated in.
Hispanic parents. The second is a survey of 600
young people aged 12 to 17 years old. In addition. SIX
The Questionnaires
focus groups were conducted in sites across the coun-
try. as well as dozens of in-depth. follow-up telephone
The questionnaires were designed by Public Agenda.
interviews with adults who had completed the survey.
and all interpretation of data reflected in this report
was done by Public Agenda. As in all surveys. ques-
The Survey Of Adults
tion order effects and other non-sampling sources of
error can sometimes affect results. Steps were taken
Two-thousand telephone interviews with adult mem-
to minimize these. including extensively pre-testing
bers of the general public were conducted between
the survey instruments and randomizing the order in
December 3 and December 18. 1996. The interviews
which some questions were asked.
averaged approximately 39 minutes in length. The
interviews were conducted using a random sample of
Western Watts supplied the sample. Interviews were
households and a standard. random-digit-dialing tech-
conducted by Robinson and Muenster Associates. Inc.
nique whereby every household in the region covered
of Sioux Falls. South Dakota.
had an equal chance of being contacted. including
those with unlisted numbers. The margin of error for
The Focus Groups
the 2.000 members of the general public IS plus or
minus two percentage points: the margin of error is
Focus groups allow for an in-depth. qualitative explo-
higher when comparing percentages across subgroups.
ration of the dynamics underlying the public's atti-
tudes toward complex issues. Insights from these
In addition to the national random sample interviews.
groups were important to the survey design. and
oversample interviews were conducted with 300
quotes were drawn from them to give voice to atti-
African American and 300 Hispanic parents of chil-
tudes captured statistically through the survey inter-
dren under the age of 18 living at home. When the
views.
study reports results about African American and
Hispanic parents. it pools the oversampled parents
A total of SIX focus groups were conducted. Five
with those appearing "naturally" in the national sam-
focus groups took place in May 1996 in three cities:
ple. netting 367 African American parents and 348
Long Beach. California: Denver. Colorado: and
Hispanic parents.
Secaucus. New Jersey. In Long Beach two focus
groups were conducted. one with African American
The Survey Of Young People
parents. and one with teenagers aged 15 to 18 years
old. In Denver two focus groups were conducted. one
Six-hundred telephone interviews with young people
with parents and one with young people aged 12 to 14
aged 12 to 17 years old were conducted between
years old. In Secaucus. one focus group was conduct-
December 3 and December 18. 1996. The interviews
ed with adults who were not parents of school-aged
averaged approximately 23 minutes in length. Similar
children living at home. One focus group of high
to the adult sample. the interviews were conducted
school students was conducted in September 1995 in
using a random sample of households and a standard.
Westchester. New York. In all cases. local profession-
random-digit-dialing technique whereby every house-
al market research organizations recruited participants
hold in the region covered had an equal chance of
to Public Agenda's specifications. All focus groups
being contacted. including those with unlisted num-
were moderated by Public Agenda senior staff.
bers. The margin of error for the 600 young people is
plus or minus four percentage points.
KIDS THESE DAYS: What Americans Really Think About The Next Generation
49
RELATED PUBLIC AGENDA PUBLICATIONS
"Getting By: What American Teenugers Really Thing About Their Schools (1997). Public high school students are
the focus of this national telephone survey that examines how teens view their schools. teachers. and the learning
process. Includes insights into what students say would motivate them to work harder in school and how they
define "good" and "bad" teaching. Special sections on African American and Hispanic students. private high
school students. and students from Jefferson County. Kentucky and the San Francisco Bay Area are included.
Copies are available from Public Agenda for $10.00.
The Troubled American Family: Which Wav Out Of The Storm? (1996). Prepared for the National Issues Forums
(NIF). this issues book examines the pressured American family. Three diagnoses of what has gone wrong with
the family as well as three courses of public action are explored. NIF consists of locally initiated town meetings
and study circles that bring citizens together in over 5.000 communities across the nation for nonpartisan discus-
sions. The publication can be ordered from McGraw-Hill by calling 1-800-338-3987.
A new National Issues Forums book with a focus on children will be available in the fall of 1997. This NIF
issues book will focus on the problems today's young people are facing. Three approaches that have wide public
support will be explored. The publication will be available for ordering from Kendall/Hunt by calling 1-800-228-
0810.
*The Values We Live By: What Americans Want From Welfare Reform (1996). This study examines public atti-
tudes toward welfare reform: what bothers Americans about welfare: why they are so frustrated with the current
system: what kind of change they are seeking. A special focus on the views of African Americans and residents
of New York. Florida. and Illinois is included. Copies are available from Public Agenda for $10.00.
"Assignment Incomplete: The Unfinished Business Of Education Reform (1995). Prepared in collaboration with
the Institute for Educational Leadership. this study examines why support for public schools is in jeopardy: why
Americans are so concerned with the basics; whether people are really committed to higher standards: and
whether they value education in and of itself. This study is based on a telephone survey of 1.200 Americans.
including oversamples of parents with children attending public schools and public school teachers. plus a mail
survey of leaders in business. education. government. and the media. and focus groups. Copies are available from
Public Agenda for $10.00
First Things First: What Americans Expect From The Public Schools (1994). Based on an examination of the
views of over 1.100 members of the general public. including 550 parents of children currently in public school.
this report looks at public attitudes toward values issues in the schools and toward education reform efforts. A
special focus on the views of white and African American parents. as well as parents identified as traditional
Christians. is included. Copies are available from Public Agenda for $10.00
x Reports marked with an asterisk can be ordered by calling or writing Public Agenda at 6 East 39th
Street. New York. NY 10016. tel: 212-686-6610, fax: 212-889-3461. Shipping and handling costs will be applied.
50
© 1997 Public Agenda
PUBLIC AGENDA
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Admiral, U.S. Navy (Retired)
Public Policy Studies. Inc.
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Ali Bers
Millbank. Tweed. Hadley
Ann McLaughlin
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John T. Dunlop
& McCloy
The Aspen Institute
Harvard University
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William M. Roth
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Communications Assistant
William D. Eberie
Roth Properties
Public Affairs Television. Inc.
Ebco, Inc.
Caroline Corbin
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Research Associate
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M.I.T. Media Lab
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Children's Defense Fund
Ann Duffett
William Ruder
Lois Dickson Rice
Senior Research Associate
William Ellinghaus
William Ruder, Inc.
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Panasonic Foundation. Inc.
Public Agenda
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Member Emeritus
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Hoover Institution
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Nature Conservancy
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Morrison & Foerster
Deborah Wadsworth
David White
Adele Simmons
Website Coordinator
Michael Jackson
The John D. & Catherine T.
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MacArthur Foundation
Jean Johnson
Policy Review Board
Keith Melville
Ted Ashley
Vernon E. Jordan. Jr.
Elmer B. Staats
New York, New York
Akin, Gump, Strauss,
Former Comptroller General
Vice Presidents
Hauer & Feld
Margaret Suzor Dunning
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President Emeritus, New York
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Massachusetts Institute
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Robert A. Burnett
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Meredith Corporation
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Director of Online Services
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Vanderbilt University
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Cambridge, Massachusetts
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Cabot-Wellington
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Academy for Educational
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