Why? Because between the sexual revolution in the '60s and the advent of technology for the masses (TV, internet, social media, etc) the moral fibre of society has deteriorated while becoming much more easily accessible by children. I'm talking particularly about issues surrounding sex.
Case in point - '50 shades of grey'. There is now a generation of teens (and pre-teens) who have read this book, and think that what it portrays is 'normal' sexual behaviour.
Many would counter and say that this stuff always happened, but was just better hidden. I would counter that to say that while there is no doubt that sexual promiscuity and experimentation amongst children and teens has probably always occurred, the percentage of youth for whom it was 'normal', or the percentage who took part was much, much smaller. I don't have any facts to back it up, just a gut feel.
It's like the argument about having cell phones in class. Yes, children have always passed notes in class. It's just the method that has changed. However, there is truth in the fact that because of the advent of cell phones, it is now much easier to "pass notes" in class than it was previously. It is less noticeable to BBM, or Whatsapp, than it is to lean over and pass a note to the person behind/ in front of you.
As with the issue of cell phones in class, I believe that the way to circumvent the problem regarding sexual behaviour in kids (you can't solve it, I don't think) is to be proactive.
This morning's sermon was about some of the shocking things that Jesus said about sex. It was a brilliant sermon. (The podcast will be up on our church website to download early next week.) However, one of the things that I sparked on was the fact that I am raising a boy and a girl. For each of them, I need to equip them to be able to cope in a world where 'normal' is to adhere to gender stereotypes (boys are 'macho' if they have multiple sexual conquests, girls are 'mature' if they have sex with their boyfriends); to have sex as a pre-teen, or a teen, is acceptable; looking at or watching porn is expected; being celibate or abstaining is 'weird' and 'unhealthy'; where having unprotected sex (as opposed to protected sex) shows how much you love the other person.... The list goes on. Of course, none of this covers the issues of sexually transmitted diseases, HIV, rape (a massive scourge in SA), or other really awful sexual encounters this generation of kids will face.
It is my responsibility to protect my kids while they are small, and to train them as they get older, so that they can ultimately make the right decisions to be able to protect themselves - not just physically, but also morally and spiritually. As I said earlier - there is no manual for raising kids. Every generation of parents has to figure out, in the changing climate and culture, how best to parent their children.
It's a tough job, one that requires constant vigilance. It means that I have to make the most of every opportunity that presents itself to explain and train - no matter how awkward it may be for me. #1 has already asked about masturbation. She has also already walked in on G and I having sex (despite a locked door, I might add!) Raising kids in this climate is not easy. I just pray that I get it right as much as possible - for their sakes.
To all parents who are getting it right most of the time: I salute you! Yours is a sacred entrustment. Strength to you for the journey ahead.
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On a slight tangent, this photo was doing the rounds on Facebook this afternoon. Although it's not directly on this topic, I thought it a fair statement about the sacred role of parenthood. I'm not sure I agree with the 'I hate you' comment, but then, I'm not a parent to a pre-teen or teenager yet! *chuckle*
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