Antidotes To Vandalism

Vandalism! Is it fun? Well, it would appear to be so.

Strolling through the parks, on our usual daily walk, I pointed out to my husband a young tree that had been damaged.

'Could that have been caused by the strong winds we've had recently?' I asked, doubtfully.

We then saw two more. All the lower branches had been torn down, some ripping away parts of the main trunk.

'No! It must be vandalism.' Pete responded.

A few minutes later, we saw a man from the local council's service company walking towards us. Knowing that care for the parks came under their jurisdiction, I asked him what his thoughts were.

'It's definitely vandalism,' he replied, pulling his trolley to a halt. 'I've just seen a woman who walked through here at nine o'clock last night, and she told me everything was fine at that time, but she did see some young men in the park. Anyway, the wind couldn't possibly have done this amount of damage.'

We shook our heads in agreement.

'There's another young tree, over there, that has been completely pulled out of the ground,' the man continued. 'And if you look to your right, you'll see that someone has punched a huge hole in the wall of that building.'

They had indeed.

'What is the matter with youngsters these days,' I said. 'Last week, we saw two boys walking out with bars of chocolate they'd stolen from the supermarket. I saw them, later, sitting on a bench stuffing themselves. When I asked if they had no conscience about what they'd done, they just laughed, again and again, and said “theft, theft”. I couldn't believe it.'

THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM - AND THE ANTIDOTE

Thinking about it later, I realised that it must be the internet. If vandalism and theft are perceived as 'fun' then. without doubt, those responsible would be posting it on social media, and encouraging others to do likewise. It would then become daring, and competitive.

The problem, undoubtedly, is that youngsters appear to have little sense of discipline, purpose and community these days. Yet Boy Scouts and Girl Guides offer both opportunity and adventure. Sadly, though, as Amanda Medler, Chief Guide says, there are still children who don’t currently have access to all the amazing things that the movements can offer.

Likewise, the Duke of Edinburgh Award has been lauded as improving the lives of generations. Described once as "a 'do-it-yourself' growing up kit" by the Duke of Edinburgh, it has helped, literally, millions of young people, including one of my daughters who took part.

Given the current situation worldwide, it seems to me that another obvious resource to encourage youngsters to assume a sense of purpose and community, would be via Earth Echo International. Set up by two siblings in honour of their father, it is non-profit making, and is intent upon building a global youth movement to protect and restore our planet. Since it is young people who will suffer the disastrous effects of climate change, if nothing is done to avert it, clearly, this should appeal to them. As should other organisations for Gen Z.

SPREAD THE WORD

So why, with all these supportive organisations around, are so many youngsters still reverting to negative fixations? One reason has to be that they are unaware of the benefits available. Why? Perhaps because they know nothing about them. Which means that we should be promoting them more.

My thoughts, in this respect, are that these things should be taught in school. Education should not, simply, be academic. The decline in family life, in particular without fathers, and in church life, means that we are raising a generation who have little knowledge of discipline, responsibility, fellowship, love and peace. We need to show children that being part of something gives one a sense of belonging; that seeking to win a race – whether it be running, or changing the world – would give them a sense of purpose. And that in both respects, they might enjoy the true 'fun' they currently believe is down to crime.

Let's spread the word. Please share the link to this blog, and thus promote the organisations that seek to restore a sense of community, and do away with the Me Me attitude that prevails.