What the hell is wrong with kids these days?!?

[darien87]

http://www.contracostatimes.com/top-stories/ci_13202746

17 year old kid brings bombs, a chainsaw and a sword to school with plans on killing people.

You got this, you got Columbine. What the hell is going on with kids these days? Kids get picked on. It's an unfortunate fact of life. I had bullies, when I was a kid. Both of my parents worked, so I basically had to raise myself. I played video games, (many of them violent). But you don't see me on a rooftop with a sniper rifle.

Seriously, what the hell has happened to America's youth?

 

[mtrycrafts]

....). But you don't see me on a rooftop with a sniper rifle.

Seriously, what the hell has happened to America's youth?

No, I don't from where I am sitting

Don't know what is going on. It doesn't take too much to set some off. More and wide spread publicity today perhaps?
And, no one knew about this guy's issues???

 

[adwilk]

I hate to say it but if you wanna know whats wrong with kids, take a look at parents. The breakdown of the "family" has to be the number one contributor to issues like these. Plain and simple.

 

[j_garcia]

I'll tell you what is wrong. When you group a bunch of stupid kids together, they tend to collectively remain stupid. My son is ironically intelligent but lacks ANY common sense whatsoever. It irritates me to no end. I am a fairly tough parent and my kids still think that they can do whatever they want. I can take everything from them and they STILL don't care. They are apathetic and selfish and I didn't make them that way. They see their friends behavior and think they can be like that too. It is lemming syndrome - and it seems to be worse than ever.

 

[adwilk]

I'll tell you what is wrong. When you group a bunch of stupid kids together, they tend to collectively remain stupid. My son is ironically intelligent but lacks ANY common sense whatsoever. It irritates me to no end. I am a fairly tough parent and my kids still think that they can do whatever they want. I can take everything from them and they STILL don't care. They are apathetic and selfish and I didn't make them that way. They see their friends behavior and think they can be like that too. It is lemming syndrome - and it seems to be worse than ever.

Thats one thing, kids will be kids rebellion and whatnot is a phase. Intent to KILL other people is a whole nother animal in my opinion. Thats reflective of serious emotional neglect. Sure, all parents have it harder these days with so many outside influences, but for some kid to have no grasp of extreme right or wrong and can't mentally process the consequence of murder is the result parental/adult ignorance and uninvolvement.

 

[highfigh]

http://www.contracostatimes.com/top-stories/ci_13202746

17 year old kid brings bombs, a chainsaw and a sword to school with plans on killing people.

You got this, you got Columbine. What the hell is going on with kids these days? Kids get picked on. It's an unfortunate fact of life. I had bullies, when I was a kid. Both of my parents worked, so I basically had to raise myself. I played video games, (many of them violent). But you don't see me on a rooftop with a sniper rifle.

Seriously, what the hell has happened to America's youth?

You were taught that actions come with consequences and to be self sufficient, they weren't.

They must have been some of the non-winners in their talent contest, where everyone gets the same prize for participating.

The parents clearly don't know this kid.

 

[jamie2112]

I will tell you whats wrong.Bad kids need an A** whippin.Back when I was a kid if you messed up you got a stick or belt and that usally learned ya for a bit.If you screwed up bad again it was a worse beatin.These days if you spank your kid its child abuse,What a load of crapola.......Kids need to learn that they are held responsible for their actions and most kids these days have "helicopter parents" who hover and do everything for them.I have a friend who's daughter is freakin horrible and he does nothing when she talks back and curses at him.This is what kids don't need they need to be disaplined......

 

[MatthewB.]

Not having any children, take my point of view with a grain of salt.

I feel kids today have everything going against them. You can't spank a kid to teach him that actions have consequences, so kids know they can get away with everything. Heck I said "Danggit" and would get an *** beating with a dessert of ivory soap in the mouth. Kids today tell their folks to "F off" in public (I see it almost daily)

Kids today (not all mind you just generalizing) think the world owes them EVERYTHING and it better be served on a silver platter. Were I was taught at the age of four that if you want something, you work (chores) and earn what you want to buy, this teaches kids to respect what they have and take care of it and feel a sense of accomplishment after working hard to buy something they want. Not just getting it because they want it or throwing a tantrum till they get it. Heck if I dared even raise my voice in public, my mother could scare me stupid with a look and I knew right then and there, "Matt, shut the hell up and behave yourself, or an arse whuppin was coming.

Now before I continue my parents never beat me, just spankings. And every spanking I ever got, looking back, I sure deserved everyone of em. Heck the worst part was picking the weapon I would get spanked with. Switch from the backyard, belt or Matchbook orange racetrack (made of heavy plastic) but I am a far better adult because my folks taught me that there are consequences.

Parents today feel that the have to compete with the neighbors kids who do get things served on a silver platter, so they do the same thing, even if they can't afford it. As with most kids there is a breakdown in proper parenting and a parent should realize they need to be a parent and not their kids best friend. Their kids need to be shown that life isnt fair and that kids are gonna be picked last, that humilation is a part of growing up and that fights with other kids should be with fists and not weapons. Heck some of my best friends started out as enemies and it was decided in the school yard. You either got beat or gave em a beating, but afterwards there was a mutual respect because you stood your ground and no one could argue with that.

I was born into a very wealthy family, the kind of wealth that makes you go "Damn" but my father made sure everything I wanted, I earned. I worked three jobs to put myself through college (even though my folks could easily pay for it without even missing the money) and because my folks made so much money, I did not qualify for any Pell grants and tuitions. So I worked and I am the better person for it. I have a nice house and nice car and enjoy my life and never had to ask a dime from the folks...not that they would give me any to begin with.

I will occasionally catch a show like "My Sweet Sixteen" and seeing how spoiled these brats are and them getting Mercedes and Porsches for the 16th just boggles my mind.

Another thing is since parents are being parents they don't supervise their kids who are watching ultra violent movies, playing violent video games and since they haven't been taught there are consequences for actions, they take guns and bombs to school.

***please note I am not saying you guys are doing this to your kids, but you have to understand many parents are not parenting and this is creating an overall shift and we are just starting to see the begining effects of kids who were never told, "No"

Please also note, as an outsider with no kids, I am most likely wrong, this is just my point of view with what I see.

 

[adwilk]

Please also note, as an outsider with no kids, I am most likely wrong, this is just my point of view with what I see.

Nope, you're spot on.... My parents sound somewhat similar to yours. They weren't my friend my most of the time, they were my parents and held their responsibility to make me ready for the world and I respect them for it. Those parents you're talking about will never have that respect.

By giving "things" as a reward for anything, theres no emotional connection to the motivation for achieving, making it impossible to ever develop a sense of pride. On the flipside, ignoring a childs achievements accomplishes a very similar effect. Too bad.

Good post matthew

 

[griffinconst]

Things have definitely changed. In my day, a fight was over when one person stopped fighting back. You didn't keep beating and kicking them 1/2 to death or "to" death. We just wanted to assert ourselves, not really F-up the other guy.

 

[lsiberian]

I think this is a combination of the food we pump in them, the parents, and the pressures on kids these days.

My mom beat the hell out of me and it didn't help matters. But I guess there is a difference between being spanked and being beat. Still I think the solution is simple. Be involved in your kids life. It's really all it takes IMO. So many parents just neglect their kids. But you can't do that. You gotta make sure they know you love them and that you give a damn.

Still I must point out that violence is human nature and exposure to it can create a violent person. The LRA is the emodiment of this idea. IOTW make sure your kids can handle the shows and games they play. Also give a boy a chance to exercise. Throw a ball with him or something.

 

[Sheep]

Things have definitely changed. In my day, a fight was over when one person stopped fighting back. You didn't keep beating and kicking them 1/2 to death or "to" death. We just wanted to assert ourselves, not really F-up the other guy.

I'm pretty sure mankind has moved past ape-like fights for power. People resort to violence when they can no longer justify their position with words. Since America has some of the stupidest kids in the world, it's perfectly normal for them to resort to violent acts when they become frustrated. And since Americans see to like to argue until they run out of oxygen, eventually these disputes with turn violent.

Solution: Educate your youth, and stop arguing.

BTW, one will lead to the other.

SheepStar
Ohhhh, pissed someone off!

 

[adwilk]

Ohhhh, pissed someone off!

Actually I think your post makes some sense, just eliminate "America" and you're on the right track. I only say that because other countries have similar or even more severe issues that date back much much farther. Violence and death has been a staple in many cultures as far back as you can research. I guess the biggest difference here is the motive and who is doing it. Its not limited to American youth.

That said, the violence in the United States is a bit different. I'm not playing the race card but the melting pot that was created here has caused a lot of it.

At the end of the day though, theres so much anti-violence propaganda that exists and its useless until the "family structure" is restored. There are moral, emotional and physical implications that come into place when kids are given the chance to grow up with proper influence. Thats not to say they don't have a chance, but it is ultimately a numbers game. Hats off to the exceptions because I know they exist.

EDIT: Re-Reading your post, I don't like the "stupidest kids" argument AT ALL. Some of these kids involved in such violence are the brightest kids in their class. It has little to do with intellect... Education? maybe... Intelligence? Not a chance. Not a common denominator.

 

[Sheep]

Actually I think your post makes some sense, just eliminate "America" and you're on the right track. I only say that because other countries have similar or even more severe issues that date back much much farther. Violence and death has been a staple in many cultures as far back as you can research. I guess the biggest difference here is the motive and who is doing it. Its not limited to American youth.

That said, the violence in the United States is a bit different. I'm not playing the race card but the melting pot that was created here has caused a lot of it.

At the end of the day though, theres so much anti-violence propaganda that exists and its useless until the "family structure" is restored. There are moral, emotional and physical implications that come into place when kids are given the chance to grow up with proper influence. Thats not to say they don't have a chance, but it is ultimately a numbers game. Hats off to the exceptions because I know they exist.

I used America as an example because it's all we really hear about. Plus, considering it's a first world country, it should have a proper education system, and smart children.

Personally, I prefer manipulating people when I get really angry with them. It's a fine art.

SheepStar

 

[adwilk]

I used America as an example because it's all we really hear about. Plus, considering it's a first world country, it should have a proper education system, and smart children.

Personally, I prefer manipulating people when I get really angry with them. It's a fine art.

SheepStar

I edited my post.. it has nothing to do with intelligence, it really doesn't. To your second point, good for you. I'm the same way. Fighting in today's age doesnt make sense to me, even if I win, it still sucks.

 

[mike c]

maybe it's related to the fact that when i was a kid, i had no access to guns. good for me, because if i had a gun, i'd have toasted quite a lot of bullies.

 

[Adam]

Note to self - don't upset Mike at the firing range.

 

[mike c]

Note to self - don't upset Mike at the firing range.

lol, that was when i was a kid

but even today, with my temper, i would never carry around a gun.
otherwise, dictionaries would have my picture under "road rage"

 

[highfigh]

I'm pretty sure mankind has moved past ape-like fights for power. People resort to violence when they can no longer justify their position with words. Since America has some of the stupidest kids in the world, it's perfectly normal for them to resort to violent acts when they become frustrated. And since Americans see to like to argue until they run out of oxygen, eventually these disputes with turn violent.

Solution: Educate your youth, and stop arguing.

BTW, one will lead to the other.

SheepStar
Ohhhh, pissed someone off!

Arguing is fine, not having any self-control isn't. I know it takes more to shock people than it did when I was a kid in the '60s. We see so much incredible violence that after a while, it doesn't phase us at all. We see online videos of shootings, bombings, beatings, people being blown up and just go on our merry way. People are more angry, bitter, feel wronged by society and others. They see that others have gotten away with things, so they don't have a problem trying to see what they can get away with. Gangs have become something to aspire to for so many poor kids and rich suburban kids think it's cool to act like a gang-banger, too.

Moved past "ape-like fights for power"? Really? I don't think so, we have just advanced our weaponry.

IMO, human nature makes us want what we don't or can't have, so some of us will try to take it by whatever means available and necessary. There's always at least two groups of people who look almost identical and can speak each others' languages, fighting over a turd pile in some God-forsaken place.

 

[j_garcia]

Most kids I see these days have no motivation, no self esteem, and no goals. They all want to be MTV "reality" show stars, musicians, movie stars, etc... and have NO conecept of what it means to actually work for and achieve something. My ex- damaged my kids and didn't instill any kind of self reliance or self worth in them, so I have spent as much time as I can trying to teach them that they CAN do something, anything with their lives and that they can be happy doing it.