Susan Gilbert

In the following viewpoint, Susan Gilbert counters the assertion that parental influence is not as significant as peer influence in youths’ lives. Gilbert claims that youths who are close to their parents are less likely to participate in delinquent behavior than youths who do not enjoy family relationships. In addition, the author suggests that parents’ emotional availability contributes more to youths’ wellbeing and good behavior than does merely having parents physically present. Gilbert is a science writer for the New York Times and author of A Field Guide to Boys and Girls.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. In the author’s opinion, what parental actions result in a decrease in youths’ risky behavior"
2. Why do schools’ preventative measures fail, as reported by the author...