Unsafe environments
Gang and criminal activity, poor or no role models, sexual abuse, domestic violence, drugs and alcahol are just some of the issues that surround at-risk youth. This is why they are labelled 'at-risk'. Boys and girls from all over the world are finding it more and more difficult to find a safe haven and the simple pleasures of childhood.
Poverty
With little or no hope of breaking the cycle of poverty people will do what ever they can to survive. This will lead some to criminal activity to put food on the table. Through no fault of their own, children can find themselves being used as pawns in this activity.
Lack of Education
Many bright children are missing out on a basic education and will miss their purpose in life. A lack of self-esteem and poor confidence drives children into believing they are not good enough and will never make it. With this in mind children see little need for education, so they drop out.
poor eating habits
There are more and more children eating unhealty diets than ever before, add to this the problem of unsafe environments which creates the issue of children getting less physical activity, the net result is a growing problem of obesity.
Poor Role Models
Children may hear what is being said, but they do what they see. As children grow up they copy what is being modeled, because it is the natural thing to do. The negative influences that surround at-risk children will continue in the generations to come unless something is done to stop it.
