𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐅𝐢𝐱 𝐈𝐭: 𝐀 𝐃𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐕𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐯𝐬 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲

On March 26, 2025, Barbados woke up to heartbreaking news – a 13-year-old boy, Shawnathan Chase, full of promise and potential, was senselessly gunned down on a hard court in his own community. A student of The Lodge School, a beloved son, a friend, and a member of the Silver Hill community – his life was stolen in an act of violence that should never have happened.

The news was devastating. I am disgusted. Outraged. Fed up. In a small island of just 166 square miles, too many of our young people are falling victim to crime and violence, leaving families shattered, communities mourning, and schools in shock. Another mother and father must now face the unbearable reality of burying their child.

In the wake of this tragedy, passionate discussions erupted across the airwaves, print media, and social platforms. One particular video shot by a social media content creator and influencer, boldly claimed that the rise in youth violence rests soley on the shoulders of parents and their upbringing of children. According to this view, parents are the only culprits.

So my blog post is in response to this blame-focused video. To educate and bring enlightenment, to challenge the oversimplified narrative that only parents are at fault, and to highlight the many other societal factors that contribute to youth violence. Because if we truly want change, we must stop pointing fingers at just one group and start addressing the bigger picture.

Crime and violence among youths is a global issue. Yet, due to the small-island mentality, some remain unaware of this reality, choosing instead to bury their heads in the sand. While it’s true that “charity begins at home,” we cannot ignore the powerful external influences and factors that significantly shape our children’s behaviors. Blaming only parents is not just unfair; it’s incomplete.

There are many parents who worked diligently and tirelessly to nurture and raise their children with strong values, instilling morals of respect, empathy, godliness and responsibility. However, despite their best efforts, external influences such as peer pressure, social media, violent entertainment, music and socioeconomic challenges aka, poverty have a FAR GREATER impact on children today than parental guidance alone; and these forces often steer young people towards negative paths and pull them in the wrong direction.

The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry points out that friends have a big impact on how kids and teens develop socially and emotionally, and this influence only grows stronger as they get older. In Barbados, children spend a total of 7-8 hours a day at school, which equals 35-40 hours a week where their friends are. Warning : “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”

Furthermore, social media has a major impact on young people today. It exposes them to a constant stream of information, both good and bad. Unfortunately, many young people are influenced by what they see online whether it’s harmful trends, negative body images, or violent behavior. The pressure to fit in, gain approval, and seek validation through likes and followers can be overwhelming. In many cases, social media becomes a platform where peer pressure is magnified, and unhealthy behaviors are normalized.

In addition, violent entertainment, such as movies, video games, and music, can also have a strong impact on young minds. When children and teenagers are exposed to graphic violence or aggressive behavior in the media, it can desensitize them to real-world consequences. This exposure often blurs the lines between fiction and reality, making it harder for them to understand the seriousness of violence in real life. The more they see these violent behaviors, the more likely they are to mimic them, believing that violence is an acceptable way to solve problems or express frustration.

Music is one of the most powerful influences on the human mind and emotions. It has the ability to uplift, inspire, and heal, but it can also corrupt, incite, and destroy. What we consume, especially repeatedly, shapes our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. Many modern songs glorify violence, gang culture, drugs, and lawlessness, subtly embedding dangerous messages in the minds of young listeners. Studies have shown a direct link between exposure to violent music lyrics and an increase in aggressive thoughts and behaviors. A study published in the ‘Journal of Personality and Social Psychology’ (APA), found that songs with violent lyrics increased aggressive interpretations of social situations and heightened hostility in listeners. Additionally, The American Academy of Pediatrics has expressed concern over the influence of explicit music, particularly on impressionable youth, as it normalizes negative behaviors.

Here in Barbados, many of our young people are drawn to gun tunes and violent lyrics that don’t make it onto the mainstream radio stations but are still widely played in parties, events, and on social media. For example – Vybz Kartel. These tracks are often celebrated by DJs and music selectors, who inadvertently amplify the reach of these harmful messages. The repeated exposure to such content can shape the mindset of our youth, leading them to believe that violence and disrespect are ways to gain power or status. What starts as just a catchy tune or a form of expression can, over time, foster destructive behaviors and attitudes, especially when these messages become a constant part of their environment.

The Bible also speaks to the impact of words and music. In 1 Corinthians 15:33, Paul warns, “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” This extends to what we listen to – music is company too. If young people constantly consume lyrics filled with murder, revenge, and rebellion, it desensitizes them to these behaviors.

As a society, responsibility must be taken. We cannot celebrate and promote violent music, then act surprised when violence increases. If we want to see a change, we must be intentional about what we allow into our homes, schools, and communities. Music should be a tool for empowerment, not destruction.

NEXT: Socioeconomic factors, particularly POVERTY, also play a pivotal role. Research indicates that men who grew up in low-income families are 20 times more likely to be incarcerated than those from high-income families. Additionally, in areas with poverty levels exceeding 25%, teenage homicide rates are 18 times higher than in affluent neighborhoods.

Poverty in Barbados is a significant issue, and its impact on crime and social behavior CANNOT be ignored. While Barbados is often seen as a relatively stable Caribbean nation, there are communities where poverty is prevalent, and this creates a breeding ground for various challenges, including crime and violence. According to the Barbados Economic Report, approximately 17.3% of the population lives below the poverty line, with higher concentrations in urban areas such as Bridgetown and surrounding communities.

This poverty often leads to many things which can negatively affect a child’s development and increase the likelihood of turning to crime. In some cases, young people from impoverished backgrounds may feel marginalized, with limited prospects for advancement, making illegal activities or violent behavior seem like viable alternatives. As research has shown, individuals who grow up in low-income households are more likely to be involved in criminal activity, and Barbados, like many other countries, sees a link between areas of high poverty and rising violence, particularly among young people.

Economic pressures caused by poverty increases stress, mental health issues, and feelings of hopelessness, which often manifest in aggressive behaviors or risky decisions. As such, addressing poverty and its underlying causes is critical in reducing crime and violence within the society.

SINGLE-PARENT families can also have a significant influence on children, with both positive and negative effects. While many single parents work tirelessly to provide for their children and create a loving, stable environment, the absence of one parent can sometimes result in emotional or financial challenges. Research has shown that children from single-parent households may face a higher risk of experiencing behavioral problems, academic struggles, and involvement in criminal activities, especially if there is a lack of emotional support or supervision. Single parents often juggle multiple responsibilities, which can limit the time and energy they can devote to nurturing their children. The absence of a father or mother can leave a void, particularly in the development of social skills, and children may look to external influences, such as peers or media, to fill this gap.

However, it’s essential to note that many children from single-parent families thrive and grow up to be successful individuals, often due to the strength and resilience of their parent. The key lies in the support systems available to both the parent and the child, including extended family, community resources, and a positive, stable environment at home.

Finally, a point some ignore: The Bible makes it clear that while parents play a crucial role in guiding their children, the battle against sin and negative influences extends beyond the home. Proverbs 22:15 states, “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of correction will drive it far from him.” This highlights the natural inclination of children to make unwise choices, requiring correction and guidance. However, Jeremiah 17:9 reminds us that “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” – pointing to the deeper issue of human nature and sin. Jesus Himself said in Mark 7:21-23, “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders… All these evil things come from within and defile a man.” The Bible warns in Proverbs 4:23, “Guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it flow the issues of life.”

This reinforces the reality that violence and crime are ultimately matters of the heart, influenced by both internal sin and external pressures. Ephesians 6:12 further reminds us that “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world.” The forces at play are spiritual, societal, and systemic, requiring a collective effort – both in the home and in the wider community – to steer our youth away from destruction.

So, no. We as parents are not solely to blame. While it’s true that we have a responsibility to raise our children with love, values, and guidance, we can’t ignore the fact that there are so many outside influences shaping their lives. Peer pressure, social media, violent entertainment, music, poverty, and a lack of support systems all play an even greater part in how they develop in this era. It’s time we stop pointing fingers and start looking at the bigger picture. Scripture has spoken expressly on this! Our responsibility now is to focus on being part of the solution, rather than just placing blame.

To his grieving parents, family, friends, schoolmates, teachers, and the entire Silver Hill and Lodge School communities – my deepest condolences.

May his soul rest in peace, and may justice be swift.

R.I.P Young Handsome King 🕊️🕊️🕊️

Citations/References

Peers play a large role in the social and emotional development of children and adolescents.
https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Peer-Pressure-104.aspx?utm_source

A Multivariate Analysis of Youth Violence and Aggression: The Influence of Family, Peers, Depression, and Media Violence
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022347609005769?utm_source

Effects of Chronic Poverty on Youth
https://ballardbrief.byu.edu/issue-briefs/effects-of-chronic-poverty-on-youth-in-the-united-states?utm_source

Risk Factors for Youth Violence
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK44293/

Parental Poverty and Neighborhood Conditions as Predictors of Juvenile Crime Rates
https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation

Study links childhood poverty to violent crime and self-harm
https://www.childinthecity.org/2018/11/02/study-links-childhood-poverty-to-violent-crime-and-self-harm/

https://barbadostoday.bb/2022/10/16/btcolumn-empowering-parental-involvement/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://barbadostoday.bb/2019/11/02/bfpa-has-say-on-youth-violence/