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Introduction
The book “Disturbing behavior: 53 alarming trends of teens and how to spot them”
written by Lee Vukich and Steve Vandegriff is definitely a wakeup call. I wish I could have read
such a book when I was a teenager and later when I walked the beat. Now, a father of five
beautiful daughters, my most important ministry is to love, educate and prepare them for what is
ahead of them. Even though I was unable to read the whole book, I read until Chapter 36 (page
145). The following paper will be a summary of what I have learned and implementation.
Background
Disturbing behavior bring to light 53 alarming trends of teens and how to spot them. The
book brought back memories from my teen years and early college life. Prior to moving to South
Dakota I work in the security sector. In 2001, we moved to South Dakota and took the position
of Chief of Police in a small town and concluded my law enforcement officer (LEO) career in
2013. For twelve years I work with many troubled teens. If I had read the book before, it would
have assisted me and others in better help kids in trouble. As an AWANA leader and director I
see the impact the book will have in our AWANA program. At our next meeting, I will introduce
it and encourage everyone to read it.
As a father of five daughters, the book has opened my eyes to new trends that I had no
knowledge off. It also provided me with resources to spot such behavior and how to help them.
Since I started reading I shared some of the trends with a church elder. He wants to read it once I
am done, our youth pastor and school superintendent have voiced interest as well.
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5 "Gregory the Great." Christian History. Accessed June 19, 2016.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/history/people/rulers/gregory-great.html.
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Aborting, Teen Pregnancy and Marriage
During the 80’s and 90’s I witnessed many girls pregnant attending school. In Puerto
Rico, girls are allowed to finish their education in the public school sector. The culture also
motivates them to keep the child and do not pursue abortion. One of my female cousins was
pregnant during her senior year. She kept the pregnancy; several of my male cousins got girls
pregnant, and ended up marring. These relationships did not last. As read on the book, they were
immature and not prepare to become adults overnight.
Branding, Clubbing / Partying, Date Rape, Gangs, and others
In twelve years as an LEO in different towns and positions, I dealt and investigated many
of the trends covered by Vukich and Vandegriff. Branding is prevalent in Native American
Reservations close to one of the department where I work. Most would use paper clips as stated
in the book, others would use a brand that was shaped out of metal and heated to leave a mark
somewhere on their bodies. The great majority were acquired during gang initiations. In some
incidents, it caused injuries. Our hands were tight due to lack of evidence and cooperation by the
person receiving the brand.
Since 2001, gangs have grown in several regions of South Dakota, especially West River.
Many are Bloods and Crips. I got investigated several individuals while as a cop in Chamberlain.
Later as a deputy sheriff I dealt with some Mexican mafia members and MS13. The kids
recruited into the latter were around 12 – 17. Date rape is also prominent with gangs. As an LEO
I investigated two cases. Unfortunately, by the time is reported the evidence is destroy, we are
unable to take a blood sample and the victims is encouraged by the family not to pursuit it. The
event is a win situation for the perpetrator, a tragedy for the victim and family and future victims.
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Illegal drug use and delinquency are on the rise. I truly believe media, games, music and
publications have a great impact on how juveniles see drug use and delinquency as right or
wrong. I agree with the authors that without a strong, positive father figure, juveniles are easily
motivated to break the law. There is no respect and values. As an LEO, I addressed the ladder
issues by not issuing a fine. Fines are paid by parents / family members and do not hold the
juvenile responsible. Instead, I was able to work with the state’s attorney and judges to have the
delinquent due community service. By doing so, I never dealt with a repeat offender. If overlook,
delinquency will escalate. Many delinquent kids are seeking a trill, and only by escalating does
the trill can be replicated or increase.
Jelly Bracelets / Snap
By far the most shocking trend was Jelly Bracelets / Snap. The subject is brand new to
me. As a parent I am disturbed and concerned about such event. The subject has prompted me to
have a conversation with our school Superintendent and find out if this is a known issue or if it
has ever been address. As a dad, I need to have a conversation with my girls and know more. The
ball does not stop with my girls; it is a matter that must be discussed in AWANA, specially with
our Sparks and T&T teams.
Conclusion
Without a doubt, been a juvenile now days is not easy. As parents, leaders, ministers, and
part of the Body of Christ, we have a mission to fulfill, the mission starts at home. I am grateful
to have the opportunity to read the book and for sure will finish reading it. The trends are real,
and it is with a heavy heart to know it will only get worse. But, in the mist of all the chaos, God
will prevail. We must be equip with knowledge, loving and kind to our youths. 1 Corinthians
10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will
