15 years ago my wife Kim and I experienced the joy of becoming parents for the first time. We've come to realize that the job of raising our children is, without a doubt, the most important yet challenging thing we have ever done. As our children, Coty and Weston, enter the teenage years we know that our nation's popular culture has some influence on them. As parents, Kim and I try to make sure that for every negative image or idea that is thrown at our children, we counter that attack with twice as many positive and wholesome messages. At times it is a difficult job to do, but the rewards are immeasurable and the stakes are high.

Every day, we are all bombarded by messages that drinking, drug use, violence and sexual promiscuity are perfectly acceptable lifestyle choices - even for teenagers. These messages are in direct conflict with the ideals that parents spend so much energy trying to instill in their children.

Although there is obviously much work left to be done to reduce the violence, drinking, drugs and sex on television, I am encouraged that some networks are taking steps to clean up their programming and advertising.

Recently, I wrote a letter along with several of my colleagues in the House of Representatives to Mr. Randy Falco, President of the NBC Television Network, asking him to reconsider his plan to begin advertising hard-liquor on television. We asked the network executives to think about the social consequences that alcohol advertisements would have on young people. There are hard facts that link alcohol advertising to youth alcoholism, premarital sex, gang activities and even suicide. Fortunately, NBC retreated and ultimately decided to stand by its original, self-imposed ban on all hard liquor advertisements. As a Member of Congress and as a father, I am grateful that this network put the welfare of our nation's youth above their advertising bottom line.

A recent yearlong study conducted by the Center for Media and Public Affairs, a bipartisan non-profit organization, concluded that for the last two years the amount of serious violence on television actually decreased. While this parent has a hard time believing that media executives have actually changed their policy toward the marketing of sex and violence, it is encouraging to see data that indicates things are not getting worse. Clearly, further reductions in sexual content and violence on television are greatly needed.

In addition to supporting a DECREASE in the images of alcohol, violence and sex on television, I am also active in creating media programs that raise awareness and educate young people on their negative effects. Last year, I teamed up with Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (D- CA) to be an original co-sponsor of legislation that would invest in a study about the effectiveness of an anti-alcohol media plan. The campaign will use television, radio, print, and other media to educate young people and their parents about the serious risks associated with underage drinking. This is another step towards making sure that positive messages are reaching the eyes and ears of our teenagers.

Raising children is a tough job even without the negative effects of our "popular culture." Parents need to stick together and be active in the public policy decisions that affect the character of our future leaders.