Other Features   . It Couldn't Happen Here! Each new violent act brings greater horror than the last. It's time to face reality - and the solution.   . Five Myths Destroying Our Children Get the facts behind five dangerous myths and find out how you can exchange the lies for Truth.   . Destined to Win! What is our destiny in Jesus? TO WIN! Articles from the heart of Nicky Cruz intended to help you realize your potential in Jesus.

Could Your Child Be Next?

Bullets in the classrooms.
Blood in the schoolyard.
Riots at football games.
Shooting in the streets.

Will the nightmare ever cease? You can't hide. Teen violence is catastrophic. Small towns are not immune. Close-knit communities are shocked as horrifying crimes are reported. Enraged students take out their frustration on classmates; outcast teens murder their rivals. Parents cannot ignore the problem anymore.

"Parents cannot ignore the problem anymore. Violence can strike anywhere"

While we wring our hands and politicians and social scientists argue about the causes of teen violence, America's teenagers are suffering. Living in broken homes, surrounded by peer pressure, and inundated with thousands of violent images in music and media, young people are lashing out - against each other and against authority.

Teens are angry and lonely. Both girls and boys exhibit hopelessness and a chilling lack of remorse as never seen before. Does our culture - specifically our entertainment - contribute to this problem? Research indicates that it does.

But in spite of the pervasive and almost overwhelming power of the media, parents who care are more powerful! You can still make a difference in your child's life. You can do this by getting informed and taking action.

What can parents do?

	1.	Pray as you never have before for your child and for children in general.
	2.	Saturate your home with scripture.
	3.	Get involved in your child's life - know what they are watching, what they are doing, with whom they are associating.
	4.	Keep them busy (provide for meaningful after school activities).
	5.	Do not tolerate any use of violent "entertainment" in your home.

Early Warning Signs:
A Parent's Checklist

Here is a checklist of early warning signs and questions to ask about gang activity. These simple guidelines could save your child's life:

	.	What is going on in the neighborhood?
	.	Who are the people involved?
	.	Is your child one of them?
	.	Is your child dressing differently than he or she used to?
	.	And if so, how?
	.	Are his or her friends dressing the same way?
	.	Are you finding drawings (logos) on notebooks, papers and T-shirts?
	.	Is your child getting in trouble at school or with the police?
	.	Does he or she suddenly have a nickname?
	.	Does he or she have money they cannot explain?
	.	Are there any signs of drug abuse?
	.	Watch for bruises, which may be signs of gang initiation.
	.	Watch for tattoos or bodywriting, which may be a sign of gang membership.

Please note that one or more of these identifiers may not mean gang involvement or membership. A parent should look for multiple identifiers and for similarity among their child's friends (i.e., same type and color clothing, etc.)