Sean Thomas, April 2021
Our civilisation is founded on the care we take of our youth.
The structures and principles which underpin our modern civilisation are not an inherent feature of humanity. They have been discovered and refined over many generations with contributions by many cultures. Some aspects of our civilisation are embedded in societal structures such as our laws and institutions. However, a great many others are handed down from generation to generation through the culture and traditions shared by families and communities.
There are segments of our community, though, who are not passing on the foundations of civilised behaviour to their youth. There are families, indeed entire sub-communities, where participation in crime, unemployment and acceptance of state dependency are passed from generation to generation. For many, this has become a self-reinforcing cycle from which few escape. These members of our community are living in a fog of despair.
We cannot break this cycle with punitive or negative reinforcement strategies. If nothing else we have proven this beyond any possibility of doubt!
The solution can no longer be considered simply one of choice or personal responsibility. The situation members of this cohort find themselves in is more like a disease that infects and subdues its members. An intervention is required to break the cycle and set the next generation on a new path.
If we wish to see our civilisation prosper we must invest in our youth.
We have all heard the stories about a violent offender’s traumatic childhood. Far too many violent crimes have, as their origin story, a dysfunctional family and exposure to violence and substance abuse at their centre.
Imagine if we spent the next say fifteen years ensuring that young people in our community were raised in the most caring and safe environment possible. Rates of violent crime and mental health issues would plummet. We would all benefit from the return of the imagination and intellect currently being lost amongst non-contributing members of our communities.
The cost of doing nothing is massive. Not just in terms of human misery, but in the cost of incarceration, policing, health and caring for victims.
So what might a successful solution look like? Without a doubt, it would include investment in families which have youth at risk. It would ensure youth were well-fed, lived in warm and healthy homes and had the support they needed to successfully engage in school and community activities. It would include access to adults outside the family unit where youth could witness and experience other ways of thinking about and engaging with their community.
We have taken small steps on this path. However, we have not stopped the wheels turning that drive the cycle of despair and poor social outcomes. We need to be bold. We need to be brave. We need to be prepared to share the bounty that comes from a successful, civilised society so all members can participate and contribute.
It is not just up to the government of the day to improve social outcomes for our youth, although their leadership is crucial. We can all play a part by participating in activities that give youth a chance, or by supporting others that do. I have been a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters for many years over three matches and have seen up close just how beneficial these relationships can be. I ask you to reflect on what you could do. Could you be a mentor? If not, could you support those who can? Please consider supporting organisations like Big Brothers Big Sisters and give the next generation a much-needed lift.
I have written a novel for young adults that shares many ideas that are fundamental to having an inclusive and caring community. Please visit https://www.onelongsummerbook.com/ for more information. The first five chapters are available free online.