The University of Texas School of Public Health recently discovered that middle school sex happens more often than most think. According to their study:

• 1/3 of students experienced precoital touching behaviors
  >> 43% of these students experienced sexual intercourse
• 12% of students experienced vaginal sex by age 12
• 7.9% of students experienced oral sex by age 12
• 6.5% of students experienced anal sex by age 12
• 4% of students experienced all three types of sex by age 12

Among sexually active middle school students:

• 1/3 experienced vaginal or anal sex without a condom within the past three months
• 1/4 had four or more partners

Obviously, this trend is alarming morally. But researcher Christine Markham also states:

These findings are alarming because youth who start having sex before age 14 are much more likely to have multiple lifetime sexual partners, use alcohol or drugs before sex and have unprotected sex, all of which puts them at greater risk for getting a sexually transmitted disease or becoming pregnant.

I think middle school ministry is usually too soft. It is a difficult age to teach because some students are still years away from puberty while others are already beginning to experiment with sex, drugs, alcohol, and porn. Children’s ministers don’t like to touch taboo topics, but when 1 in 3 students are feeling each other up, how can they afford not to?

It takes tact, grace, and wisdom to discuss these things with students without offending or embarrassing them or their parents. It is challenging but worth it. It is much easier for a middle school minister to teach a preventive message than it is for a high school minister to rewire students’ established bad habits.

For Discussion:
- At what age does your church begin approaching tough topics?
- What do you think is the best way to teach tough topics to young students?

Generation Z is everyone between 2001 to 2021. They are who your children’s ministry will strive to reach for the next two decades.

While it is difficult to forecast how Generation Z will evolve, I think we have enough data to predict that these children will have their innocence robbed at earlier ages and engage in sexual activities earlier and more often than previous generations.

THE POWER OF LYRICS
The University of Pittsburgh surveyed ninth-grade students and discovered:

Exposure to lyrics describing degrading sex was one of the strongest associations with sexual activity.

Compared to those with the least exposure to lyrics describing degrading sex, those with the most exposure were more than twice as likely to have had sexual intercourse. Similarly, among those who had not had sexual intercourse, those in the highest third of exposure to lyrics describing degrading sex were nearly twice as likely to have progressed along a noncoital sexual continuum compared to those in the lowest third.

GENERATION Y STATS
Currently, the United States has 750,000 teenage pregnancies each year.
One in four (25%) U.S. teen girls have sexually transmitted infections.

GENERATION Z TODAY
Obviously, pop lyrics have digressed from the days of the Beatles (i.e., “I wanna hold your hand.”) to the era of Beyonce (i.e., “I know you want my body. Tonight I’ll be your naughty girl”).

Many of today’s Generation Z kids already listen to mainstream pop music. In fact, 44% of UK parents sing their babies pop songs and TV theme tunes rather than nursery rhymes. And if they do not listen to provocative pop music yet, media conglomerates will package it to them and tell them to listen.

Look at the some of music nominees for Nickelodeon’s 2009 Kids’ Choice Awards:

• Beyonce
  “Now take it off while I watch you perform.” (Suga Mama)
• Chris Brown
  “Let’s get and make love on Venus.” (Gimme Whatcha Got)
• Alicia Keys
  “So maybe we can go to first base because I feel you.” (Teenage Love Affair)
• Jesse McCartney
  “Spend the night with me and I’ll rock you.” (Rock You)
• Katy Perry
  “I kissed a girl just to try it. I hope my boyfriend don’t mind it.” (I Kissed a Girl)
• Pussycat Dolls
  “I can get off when you ain’t around.” (I Don’t Need a Man)
• Rihanna
  “What you got up in them jeans? Put it on me, or get lonely.” (Lemme Get That)
• Kid Rock
  “that little p**** l***** finger f***** h* a** c***.” (F*** U Blind)
• T-Pain
  “She was s***** on me. And I was l***** on her.” (69)

Considering a large part of Nickelodeon’s audience is Generation Z, the future looks rough for these kids, particularly those who are already listening to Kid Rock, T-Pain, the Pussycat Dolls, and Katy Perry.

For Discussion:
- Where do you see hope for Generation Z?
- How can ministries best help Generation Z from becoming the probable statistics of teen pregnancies and STDs?

According to NDP Group, kids are increasingly using digital media to acquire information. While this is not surprising, the growth rate statistics are fascinating.

Among kids ages 2 to 14 in 2008:

• 92% use a computer (down from 94% in 07)
• 85% play video games (up from 80% in 07)
  >> 82% of kids ages 2 to 5 play video games (up from 79% in 07)
  >> 57% of girls play video games (up from 50% in 06)
  >> 30% of kids ages 6 to 9 own a portable video game device
• 60%  use portable digital music devices (up from 51% in 07)
  >> 20% of kids ages 6 to 9 own a digital music device
• 51% use a cellphone (up from 49% in 07)
  >> 30% of kids ages 6 to 9 own a cellphone
• 22% download ringtones
• 22% watched TV digitally on a computer, cellphone, gaming device, or music device (up from 17% in 07)

Three trends that particularly stand out to me are:

1. Video Game Momentum
   It has been a long time since Atari, Mario, and Duck Hunt, so I am surprised to see video game usage among kids still growing at such a startling of 80% in 2007 to 85% in 2008. It seems hard to imagine kid culture being more fixated on video games, but clearly the love for gaming will only grow stronger.
2. Diaper Gamers
   Four out of every five 2 to 5-year-olds play video games. Think about that. Some still struggle with pooping their pants or wetting the bed, yet they are learning how to master gaming. While playing video games at such a young age does not completely rewire a kid’s ability to enjoy childlike things, I do believe early gaming makes kids pickier and raises their level of expectations for entertainment.
3. Instant Gratification
   Unless you are 8 years old, it is difficult to imagine growing up in a world where you can often instantly watch your favorite show, listen to your favorite song, call your best friend, look up an answer, or play a game. While these conveniences are wonderful, they also eliminate many opportunities to learn patience and self-discipline.

   Because these conveniences change kid culture, it is important that children’s ministers and parents both emphasize the importance of good character and provide kids with opportunities to develop their character.

For Discussion:
- What do you think of these statistics?
- How do you see digital media changing kid culture?
- What methods work for reaching kid culture?

[via Advertising Age]

If you want to have a creative church environment, consider doing something fun with the walls. Companies like Design Public (USA) and Wallpaper from the 70s (Germany) offer a wide variety of creative wall products. But the scope of resources extends far past these two companies.

To help guide you through it all, here is a toolbox of links to some of the best wallpapers, wall murals, paints, primers, stickers, and wall applications available.

DESIGN YOUR OWN MURAL OR WALLPAPER

• Design Your Wall (USA)
• Murals Your Way (USA)
• Totally Custom Wallpaper (USA)
• Rollout (Canada)
• myfotowall (United Kingdom)

RUST-OLEUM PAINT AND PRIMERS

• Magnetic Primer
• Dry Erase Paint
• Chalkboard Paint
• Glow in the Dark Paint

UNIQUE WALL DECOR

• Braille Walls by Inhabit (USA)
  A wall application that gives walls braille-like bumps.
• Colouring-In Wallpaper by Jon Burgerman (United Kingdom)
  Coloring book wallpaper.

• Fruit Cocktail Wallpaper by Flavor Paper (USA)
  Scratch n’ sniff wallpaper that comes in cherry, banana, and tutti frutti scents.
• Fingerprint Wall Sticker by ferm LIVING (USA)
  Giant fingerprint wall sticker.

• Prose Stickers by blik (USA)
  Custom wall stickers of any text you want.
• Seesaw Wall by Inhabit (USA)
  Give smooth walls an alternating seesaw effect with this wall application.

• Warped Walls by Surrealien (Germany)
  Custom fitting wallpaper that “warps” around the room.
• Words Spoken by Rollout (Canada)
  Wallpaper with empty word bubbles that can be written in.

• Versa TILE by Element Labs (USA, United Kingdom, Germany, Hong Kong)
  LED panels that create walls of changing color, pattern, and movement.

Of course, there are plenty more resources than these. Are there any that you think should be on the list?

Reader’s Digest has a fascinating article on how boys and girls learn differently. It asks the opinion of David Chadwell, South Carolina’s coordinator of single gender education.

BOYS TEND TO PREFER

Boys interpret the world as objects moving through space. The teacher should move around the room constantly and be that object.

Colors that appeal to males are cooler colors such as silver, blue, black, grey, and brown.

Boys respond better to speaking that sounds matter of fact and more forceful. This is because, for boys, stress increases the blood flow to their brains which helps them stay focused.

The ability to stand or move also helps them to be more alert by increasing their blood flow. And a room temperature of 69 degrees Fahrenheit creates optimum alertness.

Boys will rise to a risk and tend to overestimate their abilities. Teachers can help them by getting them to be more realistic about results.

So when teaching boys, stand and move around while speaking forcefully and realistically. Allow the boys to occasionally move and keep the room at 69 degrees Fahrenheit. Use cooler colors in your environment and teaching.

GIRLS TEND TO PREFER

Girls work well in circles, facing each other. Using descriptive phrases and lots of color in overhead presentations or on the chalkboard gets their attention.

Colors that appeal to females are warmer colors such as reds, yellow, and oranges. The female eye also tends to prefer textures and visuals with more details (e.g., faces).

Girls have more sensitive hearing than boys. They interpret speaking in a loud tone as yelling and anger, which can cause them to shut down. Stressful environments make girls feel nervous or anxious because stress sends their blood to their guts.

Girls focus better while sitting down. And a room temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit creates optimum alertness.

Girls at this age shy away from risk, which is exactly why lots of girls’ programs began in the private sector. Teachers can help them learn to take risks in an atmosphere where they feel confident about doing so.

So when teaching girls, sit in a circle with the girls and speak descriptively and in a nurturing tone. Keep the room at 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Use lots of colors, particularly warmer colors, and use visual and/or tactile textures. Create a secure yet stimulating environment where they can feel comfortable in taking risks that you encourage them to take.

For Discussion:
- What tips do you have for teaching boys specifically or girls specifically?

During May and June of 2008, the Economist Intelligence Unit asked 164 corporate executives from around the world what techniques they have found are most effective at marketing to the millennial generation (the generation born between 1982 and 2001).

How to Reach the Millennial Generation

• 41% say participate in viral marketing and peer-to-peer recommendation sites
• 36% say sponsor or advertise in areas of interest to millennials
  (e.g., extreme sports, music venues, chat rooms, social networking sites)
• 35% say deliver a great product at a great price
• 30% say focus on millennials’ key influencers
  (e.g., parents, peers)
• 28% say contribute to social causes that millennials support
• 21% say contribute to corporate or issue blogs
• 21% say message millennials through wireless text messaging
• 19% say exploit contests, promotions, and retail tie-ins
• 12% say develop online games for company website

In other words, if your church wants to reach the millennial generation, create a great church experience that is remarkable (creates word of mouth) and targets the key influencers and social catalysts of your local millennial community.

Also, show that you care about the things that they care about by sponsoring local events or participating in causes that they are passionate about. Blog about what you do and use text messaging. And be sure that you keep things fresh and fun with occasional special events, games, etc.

For Discussion:
- What techniques have you found are most effective at marketing to the millennial generation?

[via eMarketer]

The August 2008 issue of the Journal of Adolescent Health shares two insightful research studies that explore how family interaction reduce teen sex and teen drug use.

Study #1: Using Sibling Differences to Estimate Effects of Parenting on Adolescent Sexual Risk Behaviors

The first study conducted by Rebekah Levine Coley of Boston College discovered that teens who regularly took part in family activities had sex less frequently, less unprotected sex, and fewer sex partners. These family activities include eating together, having fun, and doing something religious. At the same time, negative and hostile parenting increases risky sexual behavior among teens.

Negative and psychologically controlling parenting behaviors may inhibit adolescents’ development of self-efficacy and identity, interfere with mature and responsible decision making skills, and affect the development of healthy relationships, in turn leading to an elevated likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors.

Study #2: Family Meals and Substance Use: Is There a Long-Term Protective Association?

The second study conducted by Marla Eisenberg of the University of Minnesota discovered that eating family meals together significantly reduces the odds of teen girls smoking, drinking, and doing drugs. Among teen boys, no influence was found between family meals and substance use.

Middle-school female adolescents reporting at least five family meals per week were significantly less likely to report regular use of cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana during their high school years than their counterparts whose families did not have regular meals.

What does this mean for your church?

If you want to have a healthy youth group, encourage parents to create healthy families. Remember that some parents may not know how to do this and some parents may not have the motivation to do this. But by creating church events that are built around family interaction , your church can simultaneously encourage families to practice being a family while also giving them the opportunity to see other families in action.

For Discussion:
- What are some successful or even unsuccessful family events and programs that you have tried?

[via Reuters]

For AskMen.com recently polled their readers to investigate who and what is “the modern man.” Given the nature of the online magazine, I expect this reader survey to have a higher than usual unchurched perspective, which means it offers valuable insights into the lifestyle and psyche of the men who need church the most. Some highlights include:

What makes a man a manly man in 2008?
>> 52% say, “Being a good father and/or husband who takes care of his family.”
>> 19% say, “Being a leader and motivator.”
>> 16% say, “Having many skills, like the ability to fix things.”
>> 7% say, “Being charismatic and popular.”
>> 4% say, “Being a great seducer and/or lover.”
>> 2% say, “Being wealthy.”

Have rumors of a recession affected your spending habits?
>> 47% say, “No, I’m still spending the way I always have.”
>> 40% say, “Yes, I’ve tightened up my budget to meet increasing prices.”
>> 13% say, “Yes, I’ve tightened up my budget to put emergency money aside.”

Do you believe in marriage?
>> 70% say, “Yes, I believe it is a necessary institution, and one that I will participate in to help preserve.”
>> 20% say, “No, I don’t believe in it strongly but I’ll probably end up getting married anyway.”
>> 6% say, “Yes, I believe in it as an institution, but it’s not for me.”
>> 4% say, “No, I think it’s a dead institution.”

Should a couple live together before marriage?
>> 60% say, “Yes, it is a good test to put the relationship through before marriage.”
>> 21% say, “Yes, living together is pretty casual.”
>> 10% say, “No, a man should enjoy his freedom while he can.”
>> 9% say, “No, it is not morally acceptable.”

If there was no chance your partner would find out, would you cheat on her?
>> 37% say, “No, I might be tempted, but I love and respect her too much.”
>> 32% say, “No, I might be tempted, but cheating violates my morals.”
>> 15% say, “Yes, but I would feel guilty nonetheless.”
>> 13% say, “Yes, she can’t be hurt if she doesn’t know about it.”
>> 3% say, “Yes, I already cheated on her.”

How old were you when you lost your virginity? (67% as a teenager)
>> 2% at 12 or younger
>> 2% at 13 (7th/8th grade)
>> 4% at 14 (8th/9th grade)
>> 7% at 15 (11th/10th grade)
>> 13% at 16 (10th/11th grade)
>> 15% at 17 (11th/12th grade)
>> 15% at 18 (12th grade)
>> 9% at 19

Some Other Interesting Stats

• 69% are concerned about the effects of global warming.
• 66% say a man should never stop playing video games.
• 55% of men don’t play fantasy football.
• 24% consume 0 alcoholic drinks each week.
• 13% never send text messages.

For Discussion:
- What trends do you notice about today’s modern man (generally speaking, among Christians, or among the unchurched)?
- What are the best ways for the church to reach the modern man?