Finding ways to keep our youth out of trouble is an almost universal concern for parents across the nation. Sharp spikes in violent crime, drug use and unsafe sexual activity among modern teenagers has offered plenty of reasons to be alarmed. Community, religious and educational leaders have worked long and hard to come up with some viable solutions to these growing problems.

The biggest deterrent to bad behavior from youth is right under our noses. Youth who volunteer are much more likely to be well-adjusted members of society and less likely to lash out in rebellious ways.

Why does volunteering make such a big impact? It gives youth a foundation at a time in their lives when everything from fashion to hobbies changes almost daily. Youth who volunteer on a regular basis are less likely to engage in illegal or dangerous behavior, are more likely to feel a stronger connection with their communities, and they tend to do better in school.

The easiest way for a parent to get their teenager into the habit of volunteering is to set the example by doing it themselves. Having a good adult role model is essential for any youth. A teenager who has parents that volunteer regularly in their local community is almost three times more likely to actively volunteer themselves. Parents should seek out a local or national charitable organization and sign up to provide some form of community service on a weekly basis.

Many teenagers who volunteer have noble purposes behind their actions. They are not in it for personal recognition. They truly want to make the world they live in a better place. Their goal is to help other people because they truly believe it is important to do good things for other people. This is an ideal that should be encouraged.

Any community organization looking for volunteers should incorporate many youth into that number. It is good for them both now and in the future.