“Project X”

I just read an article on Good Morning America’s website about a teenager in Houston who was shot and killed at a party that was inspired by the movie, “Project X”.  I watched the trailer of the movie and did a little research on the plot.  The plot is pretty clear:  A teenage nerd throws a party that gets totally out of control.  There’s plenty of partying, smoking weed, drinking, and sex.

What many of you don’t know about me is that in addition to being a psychotherapist and expert on television, I’m also a school counselor.  I’ve been one for 17 years and I know every inside/out detail of teenagers today.  I’m right in the middle of it.

This movie, “Project X”, has inspired many similar parties across America and I am bothered by this.  Why?  Because today’s teenagers are completely out of control.  It’s nowhere near what it was like when I was a kid.  Here are the two major flaws that I see nowadays.

1. Parents (not all of them, just more of them) have no idea what their kids are doing everyday. Do you know how many teenagers I’ve seen in my office who smoke weed every single day and their parents have “no idea”.  More parents have become clueless and desensitized to the realities and dangers of our world.  How else can you explain 500-1000 teenagers showing up to party, drinking, smoking and having sex?  It’s because their parents either don’t know or don’t care.  Not good!!!
2. Teenagers are followers: Bottom line-kids do what other kids do.  Very few are leaders and carve their own path in the woods.  We can thank media for its glorification of weed, alcohol and sex among teens.  It makes it “ok” in their young, innocent minds.

So what can we do with this problem?

1. Parents – start becoming part of you your teenager’s life.  He/she is not an adult no matter what television or other media tries to tell you.  Your kid needs you to be a parent.  Take control for crying out loud!!  And no, it’s not ok if your 17-year-old has a couple of beers as long as he’s not driving.  You shouldn’t permit him to drink, period.
2. Teens – Ask yourself this question:  Do you want to be ordinary just like everyone else or do you want to be more than that? Then start making better decisions and stop listening to your friends all time.  They know nothing; a positive adult in your life does.

Just had to get this off my chest……..