On Wednesday, 13 students at East St. John High School were arrested after participating in a fight that broke out between students from different neighborhoods in St. John the Baptist Parish.

Local news agencies gobbled up the story. After all it’s not every day that a school sends a baker’s dozen of its own students off in handcuffs.

And while school administrators are worried about the inordinate and some would say undeserved light the coverage cast on the school, it did shine a light on a problem that plagues households not only here in St. John but across the nation.

In 2010 many parents are either too busy or too disinterested to keep proper tabs on their children. Too much freedom can have many negative effects on a young mind.

If children are not made to do their assignments, they may fall behind in class. If children are not made to go to school, they may have to repeat grades or even drop out. And if children are allowed to roam the streets freely at all hours of the night, they may end up behind bars.

It seems to be the popular trend now for parents to try to be friends with their children.

While the efforts to relate on a personal level have their merits, one must never forget that the primary responsibility of a parent is to raise their child.

Parenting is not a popularity contest. It is a real life responsibility with real life consequences.

So, parents, do not be afraid to ask your children where they are going, what they are doing and who they are with.

Their future may depend on it.