Study says Oklahoma is 2nd worst state for at-risk youth
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — It is no secret, growing up can be hard. In Oklahoma, it can be even harder. A new reporter says we are the 2nd worst state for at-risk youth.
The study looked at things like education, drug use, and poverty rate, among other things. Things these local leaders are all trying to fix in their "InBy10" initiative.
"For the next 90 days, three months, we are asking every parent, every grandparent, every guardian to ensure that their children are home by 10 p.m.," Rev. Derrick Scobey said.
One of the main goals in doing this is to tackle the increase in youth violence.
"They're dying too young," Ron Bacy, OKC Police Chief, said. "They're making mistakes that cost them their freedom."
He says this is just one reason this WalletHub study ranks our state the 2nd worst overall for at-risk youth.
The report also says Oklahoma has the 2nd highest percentage of people 18 to 24 without a high school diploma, and is top ten in both drug use and poverty rate.
"We have to protect our kids," Jason Lowe, District 1 Commissioner, said. "We have to protect our youth. We have to make sure that they're safe."
This survey is on the heels of another by WalletHub ranking Oklahoma 50th in education.
Leaders say that inside the classroom and inside the home are where growth begins.
"We know the trials of what's happening across the country with our parents trying to raise children, grandparents trying to raise children, and children trying to raise each other," Sen. Nikki Nice, (D-OKC) said. "We as a community must stand up. It takes a village, but we have to understand and show what that village looks like."
The "InBy10" initiative is one of the first steps in addressing these problems, hoping that if parents and guardians take responsibility, kids will be better suited for what lies ahead in life.
"We need them to be able to live full lives so they can give back to our community, and be in this space to continue to speak on why we need to invest in our youth," Sen. Nice said.
After those 90 days are up, if the initiative was successful, those leaders will meet again to discuss a long-term plan.