Title: When Discipline Disappears: The Breakdown of Respect and Responsibility Among Today’s Youth
Author: Frontline Security Services – Community Observation Blog
Location Focus: Saginaw, Michigan

The Growing Problem

Across Saginaw and other Michigan communities, security officers, educators, and business owners are all witnessing the same trend—children showing open disrespect toward adults, authority figures, and property. It’s no longer uncommon to see minors talking back to teachers, refusing lawful direction, and even threatening public workers.

As security professionals, we see it daily at bus stations, retail areas, and community centers. Rules are ignored. Safety procedures are violated. And when consequences are issued—like removal from a property or a school suspension—the children are simply sent home, where too often, nothing changes.

The Parental Disconnect

This is the root of the problem. Many parents have lost control of their children.
Some are afraid of them. Others simply don’t care. Too many are more focused on being their child’s friend than their parent.

When a student commits a violation—such as trespassing at a business, fighting on a bus, or refusing to follow directions—parents should be partners in accountability. Instead, we hear excuses: “He’s just having a bad day,” or “They shouldn’t have talked to her that way.” Excuses don’t fix the problem—they reinforce it.

The truth is simple: when parents fail to discipline, society pays the price.

From Disrespect to Crime

The lack of structure starts small—talking back, skipping school, lying. But it quickly escalates to theft, vandalism, assault, and even weapon threats.
At the Saginaw Transit Authority Regional Services (STARS) Plaza, for instance, security has had to intervene in repeated cases involving school-aged youth. These young offenders disregard safety rules, disrupt the public, and create real risk for staff and riders.

The common factor is not age—it’s accountability. These same children are often released back home after serious misconduct, and within days, they’re back at the same sites causing more trouble.

The Community Cost

Every incident of youth misconduct costs time, money, and safety.
Businesses suffer from theft and damage. Riders and pedestrians feel unsafe. Security officers and law enforcement are forced to handle behavior that should have been corrected long before it reached the streets.

We’re not just losing control of children—we’re losing control of respect itself.

The Solution Starts at Home

Respect is taught, not assumed.
It starts with a parent willing to say “no,” enforce boundaries, and hold their child accountable for their actions.
Without that foundation, no school, business, or city program can restore discipline or respect.

Frontline Security Services believes that families, schools, and community agencies must work together to reestablish responsibility among our youth. This means honest conversations, stronger parental involvement, and real consequences for those who choose to disrespect others or violate the law.

Frontline’s Role in the Community

Frontline Security Services remains committed to keeping Saginaw and surrounding communities safe through preventive patrol, youth engagement, and collaboration with local authorities. Our team has seen firsthand that security is not just about enforcement—it’s about education, structure, and accountability.

If you are a business, school, or organization struggling with disruptive youth behavior, contact Frontline Security Services for professional consultation and site security support.

📍 Frontline Security Services, LLC
804 S. Hamilton St., Suite 211C, Saginaw, MI 48602
📞 Office: (989) 401-0658 | Cell: (989) 412-3399
🌐 www.fss-michigan.com