Social worker, Francis Joseph, is worried about the youth in Dominica and is urging parents to monitor their children closely.
“I am very much concerned about our young people,” he told Dominica News Online. “We have a generation that is loose, all over the place … some of them are on the streets, some are migrating, some are in the psychiatric unit, some of them are vagrants.”
He is of the opinion that Dominica must define its laws in the best possible way when it comes to social media since that type of media has drastically changed the way young people socialize.
“It appears that the socialization that we had for our young people many years ago is diminishing for instant gratification which does not bring inner development,” Joseph stated. “Long ago people went to church, they had many activities within the church which had values, which taught many young people: like First Communion, Confirmation, during Christmas they would bring in their toys and play together in church … we seem to be going away now from those type of socializing and social media is taking over.”
He added that if institutions such as sports and other youth oriented organizations are not structured in a way to keep the youth interested, then it is safe to say that “we are a failing them.”
“We need to have social services strengthened to have early intervention and early detection,” he pointed out. “All of those institutions are weak and not working so we, the public, have a challenge to deal with that. As a society we do not provide enough support to our young people especially those who have been affected by some form of abuse.”
In light of the recent pornographic material being released online, Joseph pointed out that Dominica is lacking well resourced institutions to deal with the people involved in such activities.
“We already have insurmountable problems dealing with child abuse, dysfunctional families, and people looking for jobs, young people going to prison … we have all of these problems dealing with,” he noted. “The young people need counseling and we have this now coming up where, these young people themselves are going to be discarded by society because of what they are doing.”
He urged parents to monitor their children closely.
“Are the parents monitoring their children?” he queried. “Should children under the age of 18 have a BlackBerry? What are they doing with it?”
Joseph stated that a child should have an ordinary phone to use until he or she reaches the age of 18 and is employed.
“We have to seriously consider this and what it means to our children because we cannot supervise them all the time. The parents themselves don’t even know how to use these phones, they need an ordinary phone and they need to be disciplined,” he said.
This discussion is so important, I feel compelled to say something. We need to become a community once again. We need to return to the land and we need to have our children there with us. We need to teach our children their complete history. What is now taught begins with the wickedness of Columbus, If children are to know that their grandparents produced the seven of the worlds greatest wanders, that will surely inspire them to be confident. The land will give us the practicalities of couldment, working together,
We shall eat what we grow and create a great industry with the excess. We shall also industrialise water/sand/cement as we educate ourselves to be truly independent salesmen of our natural resources, as we continue to fund the social needs of our people. so the village will have the time to raise the child once again with real values The knowledge of soaps, porno ,violent movies and arbitrary neglect are just some of the many distractions to be conquered
You hypocrites created a country of fete, sewo and a beauty pageant every month – you reap what you sow! What did you all expect? How can decent children and young people come out of an indecent society and indecent adult and leaders?
Mr. Joseph I applaud you for speaking out. my heart goes out to our youth. In tears I write this comment. Our young people need to have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ in order to rid themselves of life’s ills.
In order to make a difference in the lives of our children we must bridge the generation gap that exists between parents, teenagers, and the internet. In most cases parents themselves may not be able to help their children with the use of the internet. That’s where the church and state/school must step in to provide guidance.
Here are some guidelines that could be beneficial in the use of the internet:
1. Talk openly about the internet dangers. The internet has a wealth of information that wants the hearts and minds of our young people. Information available can be helpful or harmful to them. In creating an awareness of the dangers we can help them to know what to look for. Hosea 4:6 “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…”
2. Use a software blocker. Young people are curious and love to explore things. With the internet’s easy access, information is at their fingertips. A software blocker is a wise tool that can be used to protect their innocence. While it may not be a hundred percent accurate, it can put in place a program that will edit sites that have inappropriate material. Proverbs 16:2 “All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits.”
3. Establish time limits. Excessive time on the net/computer can become an addiction and can affect relationships. One may have started with good intentions but once addiction takes over a child’s school work and his relationship with parents, teacher, etc. can suffer. Children who are addicted often are damaged by the loss of face to face friendships. Interaction with family and peers is important for social and spiritual growth. Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
4. Parents, Establish “NEVER” rules. This will go a long way in helping your child to stand against the ills of society.
It is my hope that the comments that I have made will go a long way in creating an awareness to those involved. Let’s make an earnest effort to help our young people. They are crying out for help but so few are listening.
Our children need Jesus!
2 Chronicle 7:14 “If my people that are called by my name would humble themselves and pray…”
The problem with children, youth, and even young adults is not only in Dominica, but it is true that we have to be concerned of our own first and foremost.
Today we are living in world which continues to enhance its system of materialism–this system does nothing for the inner being, which has to be regenerated–the contentment is here today and gone tomorrow–only Love can last for Eternity, but we need to accept that “truth” before it can be effective within us .
The other thing is that “children” young girls are conceiving and giving birth children, neither mother and father are ready for the responsibility
of raising their child–it is like the blind leading the blind–and so the path is a path of darkness without the Light of Life–which is from God Almighty, who created us.
The only solution is for us to turn back to the Life of Love–it doesn’t only mean going back to the church house–we are the same kind of people in the Church as well, especially in these days. What we need as we continue to exist in this world, is to walk in the Spirit, to walk in Love–as through this walk we will find nothing but satisfaction and rest.
I have a vision which shows me as many training and mind disciplining centers in Dominica, for children, youth, and young adult, where they can be involved in programs that would enhance development both mentally and spiritually, and physically–these programs should be conducted by the young and mature responsible adults
As human beings, wherever we are located, unless we begin to walk the path of Life, through the Light of Jesus Christ, we will continue to experience that emptiness and darkness that is within us regardless of our age
For through our state of darkness we continue to produce nothing but death, the seeds which are sown on the grounds of our mind in its carnal condition.
And so, as we continue to experience disgrace, disappointment, disparagement, distress, which leads to overwhelming despair; the heart becomes a lonely hunter. The hope for Life is lost, and we easily give in to death–even to the second death, where we become completely separated to our God of Life forevermore.
Dear God I intercede on behalf of our children, youth, and young adults in Dominica. I pray that through Your chosen servants there, You will show them Your mercy and compassion in Love, which is Your Primary nature as the God of Spirit, Truth and Righteousness.
O God let Your Holy Spirit, be the guide, the teacher, and the speaker through those whom You have chosen to give Salvation–the Life which is of Your Person, who is the Son, Jesus Christ. Give this Life to my people of Dominica, O God, regardless of whether they are children, youth, mature, and old adults.
Dear God of Spirit in Love let the young people of Dominica come to know the ecstasy of Joy and Peace, which is of your Gracious Love–by their measure of faith; for this ecstasy is the energy of Life, regardless of the circumstances of the physical body.
Lord God in Jesus Christ, show the young people of Dominica that alcohol, pornography, money, and other material things, along with the many illegal drugs they may use to find rest and contentment, are not the answers to their inner need. For the bliss is here today and gone tomorrow.
Lord God, let my people of Dominica come to know that Life in in You, by the Blood of Your Person of Love, Your Son who is Jesus Christ> Let my people come to know that in Life, we practice the good, acceptable, and perfect will of Yours.
O God, in Jesus Christ, let my people know that by doing what is the good, acceptable and perfect Will of Yours, they are doing the works of Love, which makes You pleased with them. And so they will know the “Great” rewards, which You have prepared for them Long before their days in this world was ever there. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen!
soooo true!! i totally agree! i once told a boy he need to start goin to church an join the youth group d boii laughin me n sayin “church?…youth group??” “awa da nt for me” tell him wel tel ur frenz join d boii even quote wat dey wud say to him for me. “boii church?..youth group??!” hold ur a** boii” young ppl nw adays need to kool out an try dr best to abstain like me lol. and i’m 18 yrs an i dnt even hve a bb an i seein children all 13yrs ha bb already smfh. children….plzzz,,,jus b children!!
What about his parents? Did they not introduce him to church and went to church with him? Some parents appear to have no control over their children.
I recall those days when I had planned a picnic with my friends. We never missed a Sunday Mass or other services. We had to leave early to go to the picnic. My mother was not pleased about that. I assured her that when I return I will go to church in the evening, at the Roseau Cathedral. Otherwise, I would never have left home. Generally we first went to Church. When I returned I went to Church.
This was a mother who had control over her young children. As an adult, my love for church has not waned.
These days parents have a tough time of getting their children to go to church. They also do not pray. Our Lord Jesus Christ said: “Apart from Me you can do nothing.”
Godlessness is the cause of the ills of the world. Some are not aware of that.
what church are you talking about that’s no help first parents need to monitor their children closely
Thanks Mr Joseph, I missed your voice for a long time over the issue of children you are back and never give up continue advocating for the youth and the little ones also. The media.. DNO,try to bring in the positive into your news eg, quotes to the youth,easy must read about tolerance, manners and so much more you can do since our children are into the online stuff, Radio media, can do the same what about songs that lift the youth like the song from Tasha P,let children be children, saturate the air with positive vibes.. church? oh boy what can I say the church has failed our kids they r into politics also, too much talk and no action.We need to bombard the airwaves, print media, television, internet, schools on positive talk to our kids. Adults in Leadership are forever bickering and fighting over power are we examples, no.. we need to create change in our country.. Matt in the morning, Lenox Linton you want to be the next Pm focus on the youth, as for Carlisle you too get on board parents need to be educated lets shake hands and watch our kids be productive and better citizens.
To each his own but really what is a 10 year old doing with a smart phone and they going to school without books? Everywhere you turn smart phones and tablets in your face, yet half of them have no credit on the phone, asking you if you have free calls; teachers sending kids back home because they have no books or school fees not paid. Parents need to set their priorities right. Toneh.
There are so many young parents who themselves need parenting. If there is an activity in the community, they send their kids, unsupervised, then when darkness falls, you see them start crawling out.
Its just sad, sad, sad.
Family life is truly lacking; we are way too concerned with liming, rather than building families.
How u all expect to help the youths when the head of the country says go to hell and calling the opposition bastards? Get real Dominica. You ever hear Eugenia Charles say go to hell or EO Leblanc say go to hell not even Patrick John & u all do nothing and blame the youths.
The issue here pertains to children. You are off topic. Your comment is uncalled for and out of place.
As if all your words and actions are perfect. If you have children, ensure that you nurture and discipline them accordingly.
Know that if you fail in good parenting, God will hold you accountable especially if they go astray even as adults, depending on how you trained them as children.
Too many of our youths are idle. With much time on their hands then evil will take advantage. The idleness should have raised eyebrows but those in authority are benefiting from it so they give handouts ever so often to maintain it rather than get the youth occupied gainfully; knowing that these lazy,unprofitable and idle persons would support them given that they receive their chicken feed regularly.
The government is not always to be blamed. A government can only do so much. Discipline begins at home and then in schools. This is where we must commence.
Children are stubborn and disobedient. You will find this is a world-wide problem. What has happened to the youth of today? The youth of yesteryear were obedient and respectful. I do believe that TV and technology of this era have also harmed their hearts and minds.
It is very sad where our future generation is heading. there are a group of boys that hang out on a certain lane in Goodwill and the language this boys use – is like the body part of their mother that make them is of no value. this is so sick. the dirty languages.
Ask yourself. Where did they learn this type of language? They had to hear and learn it from someone or somewhere.
all that talk is not enough.you need to implement positive action,or you will worry to death.
lets just use one example he mentioned… Sports.
You don;t need to pay dominicans as professionals… but put in place a system that has networks to professionals or scholarships so that athletes know that if they can get those grades & perform at that level (standards set by the sports division) they will be at or above international standards and will therefore stand in good stead to improve themselves through their own efforts.
it is sad to hear that there are so many young people in the psychiatric unit. The fact is, most parents nowadays are young, sometimes have kids with men that they are no longer with. Instead of making in a must and a commitment to look after their kids, they are busy trying to make themselves happy. Children take second place. Some leave their kids unattended for long periods of time while they are away spending time with a new man. Unless parents are educated and are made to take blame for some of what happens to their children there is never going to be an end to the evils that young people face. parents should be role models for their children and put them first in their lives, after all they are our own flesh and blood.
I don’t necessarily that you must be 18 to own a smart phone. My 76 year old dad and some of my younger cousins can hardly use a computer and at 3 years, my nieces and nephews could surf the internet for music and cartoons to entertain themselves when they were given the chance. and limiting access to technology is the problem not the solution. the problem is how some people use it. Just like some people use Facebook to communicate with friends and family or for business and information dissemination, while others use it to post porn and talk nonsense. Having a smart phone can have tremendous benefits for young people in school as they can surf the web for information and research. While I was in college, and I hear a new word or concept, I immediately started researching it to get a better understanding of what is going on. At universities, students use the phones or tablets to record lectures, when allowed or even look up definitions for lecturers. So the problem isn’t access to technology, but learning to use it productively. The phenomenon that’s facing us is that since for some, the generation of parents were not exposed to such technologies, they do not understand and so cannot guide their kids and so they are left on their own to explore. That’s where social programs should come in and educate young people how to use the internet. Billionaires these days start businesses by making phone apps or developing programs from their phones. Don’t go back in time, embrace the future.
@ Donkey, well said. Some parents do not want to make the sacrifice to raise their children and so allow the society to raise their children instead. How often do parents go to the schools to check with the teachers or Principals as to how their children are behaving? How are they involved in the activities that the children are participating in. Do they go the sporting events, school or church or other social events with their children. Do they know who their friends are. Do parents take time with their kids to talk about their day at school, what bothers them, what do they like or dislike.
Too often children would confide in their friends or other adults about their problems or concerns and not their own parents. Why?
Indeed, we are living in a much different world compare to decades ago. I totally agree Sir, that social services ought to be strengthened to have early intervention and detection, especially in substance and acohol abuse.
We know it is virtually impossible to monitor our children at all times. However, social network, absence of the nucleus family, laissez faire attitude towards the children, and peer pressure are the major contributing factors to the problem we are facing with our youths.
We know very well as you alluded to, the fact that there’s a lack of well resourced structured institutions on the island to keep the youths pre-occupied is definitely adding to the problem we’re facing to day. Our worries will only get worst unless the authorities take action to change the course.
phyciatric unit eh???????they need to be able to talk to somone who understands…..parents dont understand….it;’s like they were never a teenager at a certain point in their life……i know what’s it’ like to have parents who you cn’t communicate with
Tiny graduate to Thiny.
a teenager should not be SUPERVISED ALL THE TIME>>>> are your serious???? you are preparing your kids to become independeant individuals and to take care of themselves
parents need to spend time with thier kids….shouting after them when they do wrong is not teaching them anyghing…be proactive and have discussions with your kids…develop a relationship…
nothibng wrong with a teenager having a cell phone that’s what teenagers do …they scocialize…your are only a teenager once…A TEENAGER NEED TO BE A TEENAGER…THEY LIKE SOCIALIZING WITH FRIENDS WHICH INCLUDES TALKING ON THE PHONE…..please dont steal that precious moment in life away form your kids by being too controlling/……….
bonderies and rules need to be age appropriate….a 17 year old should be allowed to stay out till 10 at night on the weekend …they will be an adult in a year…..but not youths should be wondereing the streets aimlessly…..if you are a good parent your kids wont be all over the streets
U c gone are the dayz parents could correct their children,we implement systems like copy cats from the us that does not add values to our culture and the sustainability of society.no support services but just to say i did it . That is a result of the rights if the child society is disintegrating.wonder where are we heading.dominican please have the testiculer fortitude n stand firm when things are not good for our society
Im very concerned too. Parents have given up, and have different priorities. we don’t need counseling for our youth, WE NEED FATHERS FOR OUR YOUTH. Men of Dominica, arise and take a stand to ensure that we will have leaders for tomorrow. Please ladies if you are not prepared to RAISE UP A CHILD TOGETHER WITH YOUR HUSBAND IN THE FEAR OF THE LORD, SO THEY WILL NOT DEPART FROM IT, please leave children alone.
We have a serious problem, where parents no longer correct, but compromise and give in to their children. Children are the ones making decisions for themselves and dictating to their parents what they want.
Dominica , let us not loose the value of the whole community raising a child, let us be each others keeper, and allow our children to grow up having sound values that they in turn will pass on to their children.
the youth of Dominica is our business. Lets begin to take a stand.
I totally agree with Mr. Francis Joseph; we need to treat the children as children. If I may quote from Deryck Hunter St. Rose;(Socalollipop 2000)
” …Almighty God we present to you the children of our land. Almighty God we present to you the young generation. The type of things I see happening today; bless them in every way.”
“We got to treat the children as children if we tell the world that we love them. We got to treat the children as children if we want to help solve the problems.”
Josep the young adults need jobs to keep them busy and responsible.Tell your pm and his cabinet that.focus on the youths more that the fighting among the politicians,they are no example.
No wonder we society is failing as you say. cause you from what am reading apparently have no idea what your talking about.They type of phone has nothing to do with what a child does. the very same thing a child can do on a phone they can on computer. are u saying dont give them a laptop as well?
technology is not the problem. the misuse of it is.Like everything else in life. technology can be used as a tool for good or evil. the people that toke their time to actually create a fb page.its not the type of phone or computer they had but the way they decide to use this technology.
Lets talk teaching the youth to respect each other and be earth other keepers. no focus on the tool but on the real issue. VALUE AND RESPECT FOR OUR FELLOW MAN.
Have you considered, the phones of today as Blackberry give them access to the Internet? It is not unusual or even exceptional that once they have “the tool” in their hand they could use it for evil. The temptation is great and they do not have a strong spirit to resist it.
Do not doubt that. Curiosity will cause them to roam on the Internet where they should not. Why do children of today know more than those children of the same age group and even older of bygone years?
But allu doing as if the people in those pornographic materials were underage..oh please. And what is wrong with migrating and searching for a better future for yourself?
What better future?
Parents can barely take care of themselves. Children left to raise themselves. What you expect to happen?
Whose fault is that?
I fully agree with your opinions. I also endorse the call that those under age 18 should not own Blackberries. A basic cell phone would more than suffice so parents can keep track of their kids and the users could use during an emergency.
very good point but yet again the ignorance and hypocracy her in our country starts from the very parents. this is the down fall of what is happening right now. parents have no control of their kids because they are afraid to discipline then in a loving but rightful manner.
I love the words of US Judge Mathis: “I believe in tough love with emphasis on the LOVE.”
Yes I am on your side on this one the young people do need some support from the tope…
I applaud your efforts though there will be those who scoff. Start somewhere. The values that once defined the U.S. has crumbled under moral decay. It is impossible to stop technology, but family values can be lifelong.
And Mister Francis…you really think Blackerry is the problem….its not teenage boys recording these videos..its grown men…we live in a country where men do not respect young women..they saw them as infants but before the child gets to high school they want to see under their skirt…they need to be more established sports leagues in DCA also
Once again, what upbringing did those boys got? What type of parents? If they were properly nurtured, they would not seek out those children, girls and at that age.
Sports are good. It keeps them occupied and helps them overcome also their frustrations. However, what happens before and after sports?
How many people keep stating the youth need to play sports and need a place to do so. No one says they need God, to worship him and to pray to him. In the meantime, they are going astray. Will sports make them a good adult, friend, neighbor or husband/wife?
Have you seen/heard what has happened to some sportsmen of the US and Canada of all? Some murdered. Some died of ingesting illegal drugs and there are more…
Virtue, values and character – when the moral fibre of the nation is weakened and then broken while we all play politics with our independence and nation building responsibilities – then the outcome is an obvious social failure and the end of social standards! There is no shame in bad behaviour in Dominica anymore from captain down to cook – vice is on the rise way past the next level!