The dangers of the young are greatly increased as they are thrown into the society of a large number of their own age of varied character and habits of life. Under these circumstances many parents are inclined to relax rather than redouble their own efforts to guard and control their children. Thus they cast a tremendous burden upon those who feel the responsibility. When these parents see that their children are becoming demoralized, they are inclined to find fault with those who have charge of the work at Battle Creek, when the evils have been caused by just such a course as these parents themselves have pursued. {4T 650.2}

De unges farer forøges stærkt, når de træder ind i selskaber med mange af deres egen alder, med forskellig karakter og livsvaner. Under disse omstændigheder er mange forældre tilbøjelige til at slappe af, snarere end fordoble deres egne anstrengelser for at vogte og kontrollere deres børn. Derved kaster de en kolossal byrde på dem, som føler ansvaret. Når disse forældre ser at deres børn bliver demoraliserede, er de tilbøjelige til at finde fejlene hos dem, der har ansvar for arbejdet i Battle Creek, skønt onderne er forårsaget af den opførsel forældrene selv har udvist.