"I am afraid we must make the world honest before we can honestly say to our children that honesty is the best policy," Sir Walter Besant, English novelist.

Young adults are faced with challenges and influences ranging from peer pressure to trends and fads set by the media. With an increasingly shrinking world and the ever-growing influence of pop culture, the pressures are at an all-time high.

Parents trying to ensure their children are on the straight and narrow are often faced with an infuriating catch-22: allow your child too much freedom and you risk them falling prey to influences beyond your control; but being too strict or too stringent on their privileges results in children undermining your authority and eventually resenting you.

But whatever the dilemma, one of the sure ways to raise your child right is to make sure they're not bored (boredom, it is commonly acknowledged, is a major factor contributing to substance abuse and sexual promiscuity among teens), and to encourage them to mix with suitable peers.

Though you can't choose your child's friends for them, you can guide them by introducing them to groups or activities where you are sure they will be around like-minded people, and that you feel confident will equip them with strong morals. Among the most popular organisations are youth groups and scouts, mostly because they tend to be quite diffuse within communities, and because membership to them is free.

Sandra Meyer who has had her children experience various youth organisations, says, "Most parents leave their kids to their own devices and that's how they get up to mischief."

We spoke to various youth organisations to find out more about activities parents can send their kids to.

Religious youth groups:

There are plenty of religious-based organisations running nationwide for parents to choose from.

Arnold Samuels, a youth leader from the New Apostolic church, says that though there is a religious aspect to their activities, they "focus on fellowship (and) life guidance through fun activities".

At a church run youth program, kids will get a chance to interact with a wide variety of individuals and gain important social skills from their peers.

"It is for the youth run by the youth," says Samuels.

Except when there are clear requirements for religious youth groups, the majority of them remain open to all regardless of religious background.

"We are open to all but remain very spiritual and family orientated. We are not 'Bible bashers'!" insists Samuels.

Meyer says, "There's a lack of spiritual direction with children today. Their energies aren't focused."

Scouting

Scouting is the perfect youth activity for kids with even a slight interest in the outdoors. Thomas Shrick, a troop leader from 3rd Pinelands says: "Scouting has an element of adventure to it. We teach kids that the environment is precious and in doing so create a better appreciation of the outdoors."

Being a scout offers valuable life skills such as leadership, group interaction and a chance to gain relevant knowledge, such as first aid.

Children between the ages of 11 and 18 are welcome. Scout groups are open to both girls and boys regardless of religious background.

Shrick says, "Girls get to do boys activities and vice versa, so everybody gets treated equally."

"We found that although other youth groups have fun games and activities on offer, we found that the novelty soon wears off as children become bored and seek excitement," comments Shrick.

Meyer says, "Far too many kids spend time indoors all the time. (Scouts teach) skills such as how to be disciplined or handle emergencies."

Advice for parents:

"Parents don't take enough interest in their kids lives. By interest I don't mean flashing cash at the problem, but actually being more active in their lives," notes Thomas Shrick, troop leader.

"Parents need to make time for their kids. Theirs a real lack of communication as if they're thinking 'out of sight, out of mind," says Arnold Samuels, youth leader.

"Spend more time with your children and search for the source of the problem. Don't just send kids to youth meetings as your child has got to want to get involved. Find out your child's interests," says Sandra Meyer, parent.

Advice for parents:

Seek advice from other parents

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