In the 20th century, teenagers emerged as a distinct cultural group, with their own styles in clothing, their own music and their own slang. This started in the United States and soon spread through most of the industrialized world. It came about because young people found themselves, for the first time in modern history, with spare time and disposable income.
This phenomenon accelerated after World War II. Soon advertising executives were targeting teenagers. An entire subculture grew up around the energy of youth and the need to define one's self as distinct and different — natural and good desires that help young people develop self-reliance and integrity.
But teenagers, by virtue of their age and inexperience, are easily influenced by popular culture and by the things they think are necessary in order to be accepted by others.
Satan has noticed, and he has concentrated much of his effort on this age group.
It would be foolish to discount the adversary's influence on teenage culture, which seems to be growing by leaps and bounds each year. More than that, it would be dangerous. Around the world, parents both in and out of the Church are struggling to keep their children from dressing immodestly, engaging in immoral behavior or doing other destructive and damaging things — things they frequently observe celebrated teenage stars doing on television.
Thankfully, the Lord has not left good people to fend for themselves. He has provided sure defenses against this continuous and vigorous onslaught. The First Presidency's newly updated pamphlet, "For the Strength of Youth," is a powerful guide to help parents and teenagers alike. Church members ought to be prayerfully studying this guide in private, discussing it in family home evenings and in other settings, and resolving to live by its counsel.
In the beginning of this pamphlet, the First Presidency makes mighty statements and promises:
"Because the Lord loves you, He has given you commandments and the words of prophets to guide you on your journey. Some of the most important guidelines for your life are found in this pamphlet. We testify that these principles are true.
"We promise that as you keep these standards and live by the truths in the scriptures, you will be able to do your life's work with greater wisdom and skill and bear trials with greater courage. You will have the help of the Holy Ghost. You will feel good about yourself and will be a positive influence in the lives of others. You will be worthy to go to the temple to receive holy ordinances. These blessings and many more can be yours."
These promises are as valid for adults as they are for young people, but the youth, in particular, need to hear and understand them in order to battle the many pressures they face daily.
Satan knows the long-lasting nature of lifestyle decisions made during teenage years. This is the time of life when most people set the course for eternity; when they choose not only careers but philosophies and general beliefs. Certainly, people can change later in life. But tragic choices early on will set a course that dulls the senses and makes the Spirit of the Lord a stranger difficult to hear.
Studies have shown that young people who live gospel principles, obey the commandments, pray daily and study the scriptures tend to avoid delinquent behavior and withstand the many temptations to do evil. (See "Helping Teens Stay Strong," by Brent L. Top and Bruce A. Chadwick, Ensign, March 1999.) The tempting advertisements, the degrading clothing worn by some celebrities and the crude and vulgar behavior that are so commonplace in popular culture do not have the same effect on such young people as they do on others. That is because the Spirit guides them and helps them see such things as they truly are: degrading, destructive and unappealing.
Today's teenagers are choice spirits reserved for this age. They represent the future of the kingdom here on earth. By studying and obeying the "For the Strength of Youth" pamphlet, they will be able to successfully rise to fulfill their great potential and bless many people.