When people don't take responsibility for monitoring young people's behavior in their neighborhood, sometimes it's due to fear. But often it's due to peoples' busy and somewhat solitary lives. Young people fare better when they have adults in their lives who expect them to do their best. To achieve the most positive effects, parents and guardians, schools, youth organizations, and, yes, neighbors all need to be involved in providing rules, monitoring behavior, and setting high expectations. Remember: everyone is someone's neighbor. Young people benefit from knowing their neighbors are looking out for their safety, as well as monitoring their behavior. Don't become paralyzed by fear, apathy, or the pure busyness of life. Neighborhood Boundaries is Asset 13 of Search Institute's 40 Developmental Assets, the qualities, experiences, and relationships that help young people grow up healthy, caring, and responsible.

You don't have to be a community organizer to help create a community where neighbors monitor young people's behavior. All you need to do is get to know the people who live near you-children and their parents. Talk with parents about the boundaries they would like for their children in the neighborhood.