Young people are typically idealistic and often have a keen sense of injustice. They can also be sensitive to peer pressure and feel a need to identify with their friends and issues the group believes to be important. How can a parent strengthen the good qualities of these characteristics while protecting their children from the consequences of the bad aspects of these characteristics?
First, do some research. You and your teen. Check out the stories from both sides of the issue. Discern the facts as best as you can. Do additional research on historical protests and identify effective tactics and dangers to be aware of.
Determine if the cause is just. Examine the moral issues involved and discuss them with your teen. Identify any biblical command or principle that may be involved in the situation. Pray for God’s leadership, wisdom, and discernment.
Challenge your teen to make a case to explain and defend their position. Examine the motives for participating in the protest. Is it because of a sincere conviction or is it to identify with a group or please some influential individual?
Identify the motives of the leaders of the protest. Is there a hidden agenda? Are the young people being manipulated or taken advantage of in some way? Is there a history or track record of troubling behavior associated with the leaders or the group?
Determine if the cause is just. Examine the moral issues involved and discuss them with your teen. Identify any biblical command or principle that may be involved in the situation. Pray for God’s leadership, wisdom, and discernment.
Challenge your teen to make a case to explain and defend their position. Examine the motives for participating in the protest. Is it because of a sincere conviction or is it to identify with a group or please some influential individual?
Identify the motives of the leaders of the protest. Is there a hidden agenda? Are the young people being manipulated or taken advantage of in some way? Is there a history or track record of troubling behavior associated with the leaders or the group?
Discuss potential consequences. What is planned? Will opposing voices be present? Will law enforcement be present? Could there be legal ramifications? Could there be any consequences related to other organizations or teams the teen may be associated with?
Establish boundaries. Peaceful protest is a protected right in our country but there are limits. Insist on an absolute No Violence rule. No destruction of property. Break no laws. Be respectful toward law enforcement. Do not confront people with opposing views. Be a peacemaker.
Discuss “what if†scenarios. What will you do if… violence ensues, someone starts vandalizing property, police instruct the group to disperse, some of the group disrespect law enforcement, start breaking the law, you become fearful, etc.?
Create a safety net. Parents agree to be somewhere close by and available to provide the teen a safe retreat if needed. Parents may even participate in the event if appropriate.
Establish boundaries. Peaceful protest is a protected right in our country but there are limits. Insist on an absolute No Violence rule. No destruction of property. Break no laws. Be respectful toward law enforcement. Do not confront people with opposing views. Be a peacemaker.
Discuss “what if†scenarios. What will you do if… violence ensues, someone starts vandalizing property, police instruct the group to disperse, some of the group disrespect law enforcement, start breaking the law, you become fearful, etc.?
Create a safety net. Parents agree to be somewhere close by and available to provide the teen a safe retreat if needed. Parents may even participate in the event if appropriate.
Reinforce the following biblical principles:
Civil authority is ordained by God – Romans 13:1-7; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13-16
God is the highest authority – Romans 13:1b; Acts 5:29 Obey God and face the consequences – Daniel 3:16-18; Daniel 6:9-28; Matthew 10:16-20
Civil authority is ordained by God – Romans 13:1-7; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13-16
God is the highest authority – Romans 13:1b; Acts 5:29 Obey God and face the consequences – Daniel 3:16-18; Daniel 6:9-28; Matthew 10:16-20