This theme issue explores the behavior of teenagers. "Are the Kids Alright?" (Ish Theilheimer) develops a perspective on the subject of teen behavior, noting that a growing number of young people demonstrate discontent, alienation, aggression, violence, and antisocial behavior, and that a growing underclass of children is likely to fail. The article also notes that these concerns require broad response, community action, and an understanding that youth attitudes reflect those of adults. The article, "Listen to What the Children Are Telling Us," which is an interview with Andree Ruffo, offers observations based on the work of a judge and attorney. It suggests that children must be listened to and helped to find solutions and establish ideals. The article also notes that social change will be effected by individuals, that teens must become important to someone, and that institutional change will be slow and require political will. "Children, Culture and the Curriculum of Television" (Michael Manley-Casimir) examines the impact of television on a generation of teenagers, focusing on the obvious features of violence, loss of a real sense of childhood, sex role stereotyping, the dominance of white, middle-class values, and commercial advertising. The article also suggests ways for parents and society to respond, including developing media literacy and critical viewing skills, reconsidering society's valuation of children, and exerting political power. "Are the Adults Alright?" offers brief excerpts about teen-adult relationships from the book "Teen Trends" by Reginald Bibby and Donald Posterski. (TM)