A perennial talking point of politicians and scientists, since the time of the Greeks, is to lament how American youth are sliding into moral decrepitude, lawlessness, and poor mental health. Indeed, to hear some observers talk, particularly in this election year, young people in the United States are being battered by a coarsened culture that…

Integrates facts, figures, and statistics from several international and Canadian sources on the current state of family life. Provides a quick overview of such issues as family and school violence, at-risk children, and substance abuse. Briefly discusses the influence of the entertainment industry. (MJP)