Bermuda is trying to navigate its way through an ocean of changing perceptions over core values that most societies rely on for continuity.

This is being done with a view to trying to build solid citizens who, in whatever they do, never lose sight of respect, honesty, and truth.

Without good values, the infrastructure of any society could deteriorate, creating conditions that threaten peace, freedom and an orderly environment.

The mere mention of core values in today’s climate often produces that “deer in the headlights” look and a suggestion that it is a different world today — to fit in, one has to be willing to go with the flow by accepting whatever trend is popular.

Throughout history, countless civilisations have crumbled with devastating consequences for taking that route.

All the modern science and technology in the world can never replace the age-old values of decency and respect, and much of that really starts, (or should start), in the home.

That should be the nerve centre for establishing proper attitudes about life so that those principles may be applied along the challenging road of life.

This places a heavy burden on modern-day parenting because there has been a slow fading over the years in the area of discipline needed to plant seeds of respect.

This is essential in teaching young people how to cope with a variety of situations encountered in private and public life. Considerable criticism is levelled at many young people with antisocial attitudes without taking into account that such behaviour is often the result of missing values during the early stages of their lives.

It is certainly not a time to place blame on any parent or guardian, since conditions vary according to circumstances, and in today’s robust pace with a multitude of negative distractions targeting the vulnerable, a child could easily slip through the social cracks unnoticed, eventually ending up before the justice system.

Despite tough economic times, a great deal of credit should be given wherever efforts are being made to form some type of rescue net for young people who have drifted off course and who need guidance and encouragement to restart their lives.

Many churches throughout the island, along with various schools, have implemented programmes to steer as many young as possible towards a more constructive role in society.

The Government’s Mirrors programme continues to be a social parachute for a number of young people, who otherwise would be victims of negative distractions that could push them in the wrong direction.

On the surface, Bermuda at times has the appearance of a happy-go-lucky atmosphere with milk and honey flowing everywhere. It would be great if that was the case, but in reality beneath the surface there are problems that need attention not just from politicians and community leaders, but from every Bermudian concerned about our future.

Leaving it to others to turn around what seems a loss of core values on our island will never be sufficient in dealing with behavioural problems.

Children of today will become responsible adults tomorrow only if they learn early that every society needs rules and proper values. Without them, the quality of life will always be under threat.

Incidentally, credit should also be given to those many parents toiling to keep their offspring moving in the right direction.

Their efforts might not be banner headlines, but the result could be a better Bermuda in the years ahead. Nothing good is ever achieved without a struggle, and that should be encouragement for all parents and guardians who work daily to uphold good values.