How to Keep Teenagers from Becoming Graffitists

Positive Activities in Community Centers

Community centers with positive activities can keep teenagers from becoming graffitists. There is a teen center called Non-Toxic Teen Center Located in Chicago. Its purpose is to give teenagers a safe and positive place to hang out so they have something do other than getting into trouble. Stacy Vogel (2008) wrote “Teens gather around four pool tables, an air hockey table, a foosball table and musical instruments available for their use. A smaller room offers a snack bar and board games.” (para 9) If teenagers hang out at a place like this, they will most likely be well entertained, therefore eliminating the temptation and opportunity to put graffiti on things.

Engagement through Church Activities

Partaking in church activities can keep teenagers from becoming graffitists. Ramona Jones (2008) wrote “teens should probably go to church and participate in some of the church activities such as singing in the choir and Bible study to help keep their minds occupied.” (para. 1). If teenagers are studying the Bible, this consumes their time and gets them to think about many things, which keeps them away from the temptation to graffiti something. If they are singing in the choir, they may learn a Christmas song with lyrics such as “surely he taught us to love one another, his law is love and…” (Oh Holy Night) These kinds of positive lyrics, along with studying the Bible to understand the meaning of the lyrics, can motivate teenagers to respect and obey law, thus not putting graffiti on things.