"The youth of our culture can be harshly judged. Teenagers can be labeled and convicted without a sentence, branded with an unruly stigma by the very culture that promotes wild and lewd conduct. Teens are bombarded with a false sense of confidence and freedom to be gained through high risk behavior, portrayed without any real consequences. This outwardly attractive magnet pulls teens in, but as I experienced in my own youth, never fails to let teens down. Some are scarred with very real consequences of their decisions for the rest of their lives. This counterfeit message promotes irresponsibly, while rejecting self control, the essential puzzle piece that enhances self-worth and self-esteem. But self control is not inherent; it must be taught and practiced, encouraged and supported. This is the mission of Long Island Teen Freedom.