The legislators were rightfully concerned about the increased violence among some offenders, but their language was broadly painted. In the last Congress, some of the same people raised strong objections to "midnight basketball," which became a metaphor for increased spending on recreational and preventive efforts with at-risk youth. The debate then was anti-youth, too.

The proposed legislation and the Congressional debates may not be as much aberrations in policy as they seem. According to a study released in Chicago last week, the public is highly critical, even afraid, of young people.

Conducted by Public Agenda for the Ronald McDonald House Charities and The Advertising Council, the study found that only 37 percent of Americans believe that today's children will grow up to be the kinds of people who will make the country a better place. Asked what first comes to mind when they think about today's teenagers, the public said "rude," "irresponsible," and "wild" while younger children were described as "lacking discipline" and "spoiled."

The public acknowledges that raising children is harder for parents than it used to be, but they still feel that parents are not doing all they should.

And young people are harsh on themselves. About one-half feel most kids their ages (12-17) need more guidance, and few feel they are respectful toward each other or toward adults. Seven in 10 say they usually hang out with friends without anything specific to do.

The report says Americans believe parents should do more to care for children and to teach them right from wrong. Next, schools need to improve and to support parents' values. The public also endorses ways to help young people stay occupied, such as after-school programs and scouting. Government funding for child and health care programs ranks at the bottom because, says Public Agenda, "such programs do not speak to their primary concerns about children's moral development."

For more information about the report, Kids These Days: What Americans Really Think About the Next Generation, contact Public Agenda at 212/686-6610.