Faith in Action Religion's Impact on At-Risk Behavior Many of today's young people are in great need of moral guidance and inspiration. It is sobering to consider the statistics. In 2000, the Josephson Institute surveyed thousands of teens and reported, "Forty-three percent of high school boys and 37 percent of middle school boys believe it is okay to hit or threaten a person who makes them angry. Nearly one in five (19%) of the girls agree." Regarding substance abuse, the Josephson Institute reported "16 percent of high school and 7 percent of middle school boys and girls admit they were drunk at school at least once in the past year." The Institute also reported that 75 percent of high school students admit to cheating on a test within the last year, and nearly half (48%) admit to cheating two or more times. In contrast to the many ethical failings teens have, other studies indicate the positive impact that religion has on "at risk" behavior among teens. For example, Columbia University's National Center On Addiction and Substance Abuse found that attending church frequently was related to a significant reduction in teen smoking. Its research indicated that among teens who attended religious services less than once a month, 22 percent smoked cigarettes. However, among those who attended services at least four times a month, only 8 percent smoked. When asked about drinking alcohol within the past month, 32 percent of teens who attend religious services less than once a month said that they had. By contrast, of teens who attend church at least four times a month, only 19 percent drank alcohol in the past month. Thirty-nine percent of teens who attend services less than once a month smoked marijuana, while only 13 percent of teens who attend services at least four times a month indicated that they had smoked marijuana. Researchers at the University of North Carolina, Chapel found that church attendance also had positive impact on theft. Thirty-three percent of high school seniors who never attend services indicated they have stolen something worth less than $50 and 14 percent said they had stolen an item worth more than $50. By contrast, among students who attend church at least four times a month, 24 percent had stolen an item worth less than $50 and only 6 percent had stolen something worth more than $50. Findings like this indicate that the single best thing educators can do to curb at-risk behavior among teens is to encourage them to attend church! Attending church provides students with much more than a list of "do's" and "don'ts." Christian Smith, a sociologist from the University of North Carolina suggests nine factors from church involvement that influence student behavior. These include: (1) Moral directives grounded in thousands of years of wisdom; (2) Spiritual experiences in which young people encounter their faith at a deeper level rather than merely a list of things they should and shouldn't do; (3) Positive role models among their peers as well as admirable adults; (4) Leadership skills developed by organizing charity drives, car washes, Bible studies, and other activities; (5) Coping skills for life's troubles rooted in transcendent beliefs about God at work rather than merely psychological platitudes; (6) Cultural literacy developed through music training, wisdom literature, and a better understanding of history; (7) Access to a network of helpful adults; (8) Stronger sense of community as other adults within religious congregations help "raise" the children; (9) Expanded vision for their lives and the world by exposing them to mission trips, musical tours, youth outings, and pilgrimages. (Visit www.youthandreligion.org for details.) Here are four suggestions for how educators and schools can nudge students toward church attendance without endorsing religion. Give greater prominence in the curriculum to the contributions of religion in society. In many schools over the past 30 years, religion as been ignored or even banished. Form appropriate ties of cooperation to faith-based organizations in the community. Schools need not be sanctuaries of secularism. They can work effectively with faith-based organizations to meet the needs of students. Schools can do this with after-school student clubs, religious release time programs, after-school sports activities in a local church gymnasium, as well as tutoring and mentoring programs. Faith-based organizations can address the moral and spiritual needs of students in ways that schools cannot. Include references to religion in lessons and school communications. Educators should include "church or temple" when asking students about weekend activities. School materials and classroom discussions should include "youth pastor, priest, or rabbi" when referring to seeking guidance and advice. Campus "Career Days" should include representatives of various religious denominations. In other words, religious activity and people of faith should be considered an obvious and common part of the local community. Inform students of their religious liberties on campus and create a welcome and inclusive campus environment. The U.S. Department of Education has issued guidelines on religious expression in public schools (click here or www.gtbe.org and go to "articles," then click on "school prayer.") © Gateways to Better Education