Think that’s shocking?

Barnardo’s released a report called Break The Cycle today.  The research conducted by YouGov shows that:

• just under half (49%) of people believe that children are increasingly a danger to each other and adults
• 43% agree something has to be done to protect us from children
• 45% think that children are feral in the way they behave.

A survey conducted amongst Barnardo’s young people – just over half of whom have been in trouble – found that most of them thought that young people get into trouble because of boredom and peer pressure.

Of the 393 youngsters, aged between 10 and 23:

• 44% said bad behaviour is encouraged when the media portrays their peers as misbehaving
• 84% said young people get into trouble because of boredom
• 88% said having more things to do and places to go might stop young people getting into trouble
• 32% would go to friends for help if they were in trouble

This report reminded me of a couple of things.

The first is that very wise saying ‘It takes a village to raise a child’.  Children are not aliens. They don’t materialise on the streets from outer space.  They are ours.  Our children, grandchildren, cousins, newphews and nieces and friends.

The Scottish Children’s Commissioner found last year that 64% of adults would like to volunteer to work with children and young people but only 5% actually do.

The blame, if there is any blame to be had, is squarely with us, adults.  We ignore our children.  We leave them to do what they please because it suits us.  We don’t get involved with them.  We don’t provide clubs, organisations, sports, art, music or education because we can’t be bothered.  We’d rather watch tv and complain.

It takes a village to raise a child means that the whole of society is responsible.  We all need to take an interest, provide opportunities, volunteer.  Not someone else, you.  We’re happy to drop our kids off at clubs and organisations and Sunday School but how many of us offer to help out?

I spent last night as the guest of the girls of the 25th Edinburgh Girls’ Brigade Company at their annual display.  They entertained me and their significant adults with songs, games, dancing and the officers even performed their hilarious homage to the Spice Girls.  I’m sure there are photos somewhere…

The highlight for me was presenting the girls with their awards and prizes.  Over the year they work hard to achieve their awards and a lot of that work is unseen.  I remember parents nights and displays from my days in the Boys’  Brigade and being presented with my awards was always a highlight for me.  There is something very special about hearing your name called and walking up to the front to collect something you have worked very hard for.  So well done girls.  I was very proud to present you with your hard earned awards.

I was also asked to say a few words to the girls and the adults.

I used my few moments to encourage the girls to keep at it and work hard.  To learn more about themselves, each other and about Jesus.

I spoke to the adults about the value of volunteering.  69% of adults say they would like to volunteer to work with children but only 5% do.  Those 5% are worth their weight in gold.  The officers and helpers at 5th Edinburgh are brilliant.  They give of their time and their enthusiasm because they love working with their girls.  Many of them are young women who have been in the company from childhood and are now giving back because they know how valuable the time and energy and patience that was invested in them has been.

Across the country youth clubs, uniformed organisations, sunday school and sports clubs are closing because adults don’t volunteer.  If you are one of the 69% who think you would like invest in our children then please do!  You may never know how precious your time could be.

As someone who had adults invest in me as a child I can tell you that  every moment you spend will be beyond value.