The Barna Group asked parents to identify the most significant or challenging issues facing their kids and teenagers, and they discovered:

For Teenagers

• 42% listed peer pressure
• 16% performance in school
• 16% substance abuse
• 15% behavioral issues
• 6% values development
• 5% college choices and acceptance
• 5% attitude
• 5% media use
• 3% listed challenges related to their teen’s faith

For Young Children

• 26% listed school performance
• 24% listed peer pressure
• 10% behavioral issues
• 6% attitudes 
• 6% media use
• 5% family-related struggles
• 5% health-related struggles
• 5% issues related to maturation
• 3% listed challenges related to their child’s faith

George Barna notes that the percentage of youth challenged by peer pressure doubles by high school, and he adds the following bit of wisdom:

Understanding the tensions that kids are wrestling with enables an adult to connect with a child at a deeper level. Acknowledging the challenges, relating teaching to the issues they face, and even praying more specifically for these young people are ways of retaining and even deepening the relationship while providing tangible assistance to each child.

Whether you are a children’s minister or youth pastor, you need to understand what life is like for the young people in your ministry. The key to relevance is understanding people.