The attraction of some teenagers to Satanic symbolism, which communicates extreme pessimism, nihilism, and hopelessness, is distressing. Focusing on the trappings of teenage pseudo-Satanism is counterproductive; we should concentrate on the root causes of teenage crime--low self-esteem and poor social conditions--and not become distracted by…

In 1996, a small group of Roman Catholic parents in a suburban New York district filed suit, claiming that a new program was promoting Satanism, occultism, and New Age spirituality. Activities included a Ganesha story, worry dolls, stories on Buddha and Quetzalcoatl, poetry writing, psychic phenomena, and a cemetery visit. To be continued. (MLH)

Surveyed 694 adolescents concerning rock music preferences and views on homicide, satanism, and suicide (HSS) themes. Nine percent of middle school students, 17 percent of rural and 24percent of urban high school students were HSS rock fans. Three-fourths of fans were male, majority were White. Many students expressed concerns about destructive…

Using a structured interview, 48 3- to 16-year-old children were questioned about their knowledge of religious and satanic concepts. Although few children evinced direct knowledge of ritual abuse, many revealed general knowledge of satanism and satanic worship. Results suggest that most children probably do not generally possess sufficient…

Since Spring 1995, a Bedford, New York superintendent and her district have been virulently attacked by two parents who initially accused them of promoting Satanism, exemplified in an after-school game called Magic: The Gathering. These parents are now attacking drug prevention programs, various homework assignments, and literature selections. The…

Presents assessment strategies, preventive methods, and clinical interventions to assist clinicians working with teenagers involved with deviant subcultures: Satanism, the neo-Nazi skinhead movement, and violent street gangs. Considers role of alienation as contributing factor in adolescents' participation in these subcultures. Advises therapists…

Accused of promoting everything from Satanism to homosexuality, the "Impressions" reading series has come under attack in many of the 34 states using it. A teacher educator expresses chagrin at her "dream" students' half-hearted reactions to controversial articles about a series that they had judged superior. The silence of one…

Provides bibliography of references and serials to assist acquisitions librarians in selection of the paranormal. Topics include alchemy, astrology, magic, conjuring, witchcraft, paganism, demonology, satanism, voodooism, sorcery, cults, shamanism, UFOs, exobiology, curious physical and biological phenomena, ghosts, poltergeists, haunted places,…

Administrators, teachers, and counselors must learn to recognize the signs of cult or Satanic-influenced youngsters. The process and effects of mind-control are unique and cannot be understood in traditional psychiatric terms or treated by traditional therapeutic methods. Schools should hold preventive cult-education programs. The International…

Some adolescent Hispanic gang members in East Los Angeles call themselves Stoners, a reference to heavy illegal substance abuse. Stoners are distinguished from other gang members by their acquaintance with the occult sciences and Satanism. This book begins with a literature review covering traditional gangs and their subcultures in the 19th and…

Asserts that male youths from abusive family environments may be particularly vulnerable to recruitment into satanic cults. Describes etiological factors and treatment approaches of 10 hospitalized boys who voluntarily involved themselves in repeated group satanic activities during their adolescence. Includes two case illustrations. Provides…

This paper presents selected opinions held by a panel of specialists in cult behaviors about the New Age movement, emphasizing those positions about which there is most consensus. These specialists included advisory board members from the American Family Foundation (AFF),which has sponsored publications and workshops on Satanism and on the New…

An annual state-by-state survey of censorship and other challenges to public education is covered in this report that is intended to provide a representative snapshot of the incidents, not a comprehensive picture. Two types of activity are listed: "challenges to instruction"--attempts to remove or restrict literature, instructional materials,…

One of the most shocking claims about child abuse in recent years is that satanic, occult, or ritualistic abuse is occurring and on the rise. To date, no one has attempted to assess the prevalence of claims of such abuse, or to determine the range of cases and the nature of the typical case. This study is currently surveying approximately 41,000…

The nine issues of EPIEgram in this collection provide information about educational materials, educational technology, and elementary and secondary educational concerns. The following articles are included: (1) Designer Texts--Macmillan-McGraw To Offer Custom School Books; (2) Children's Lit is Alive and Well; (3) Swear Words, Satanism, and Sex;…