The constant reports of violence in Lewiston are getting tiresome. If it’s being caused by teens, it’s time to look at the work rules for them.

When my son was a teen, all they needed was a work permit from the school indicating he was a good student. He worked the hours his employer needed, including overnights on weekends for a radio station. His summer job as a dishwasher was great, because he hated the job and when he complained about school, I would remind him about the only job a dropout could get was as a dishwasher. Some kids do better in an adult arena.

When the laws changed and shortened hours, I asked my daughter if her peers were studying more. She said no; just partying and drinking more.

Schools have to stop parenting kids. Why aren’t we hearing about the violent kids being arrested? Why aren’t we hearing about the sources of the guns being arrested?

Lewiston needs to stop catering to outsiders. Do they look at Preble Street and Avesta Housing, the state and feds to see if they’re relocating outside problems here? If we become too accommodating in housing, welfare and, it seems, access to drugs, we are hurting ourselves.

It’s time to stop being used and start cleaning up our home.

Patricia Bernard, Lewiston