the boundaries of appropriate behavior.  They also need to be confident that adults will treat them with fairness and love.  Disciplin does not mean you are not fair or do not love them.  When children take drasitc action is when they feel there is no other way to deal with the lack of fairness and understanding from adults (parents, administrators and teachers at school and other organizations all included).  The frustration with their situation drives them to it.  Children and young adults need to know that they can be 100% honest with you and that you will react in a calm and fair manner, even when they know they will be disciplined.

Correct them in a swift, consistant and appropriat manner and then stop at nothing to reassure them you love them more than anything else.  Then all you can do is hope that rather than drastic action such as sucicide, drugs, destructive behavior or a killing spree, they come to you in thier time of need knowing they can get the help they need.

When children fail, it is because we have failed.  All of us are responsible.