Kobe Bryant’s infidelity and legal troubles are just the latest example of the failure of superstar role models, a problem often lamented by concerned parents. It worries many that kids are looking up to celebrities or athletes who have loads of talent but haven’t always learned how to be good human beings.

But in the middle of the latest celebrity-crime circus comes a survey that suggests high schoolers look a little closer to home to find people they admire. Teens responding to the survey listed their parents and family members as the people they admire most and would like to spend more time with. In fact, more family time was chosen by a wide margin over more time socializing with friends, playing sports or watching TV.

This is both good and bad news for parents. The good news is that they may have more influence with their often-aloof teens than they think. For parents who sometimes feel like they have less control than friends or cultural influences, that’s a relief. The bad part, or at least the part that may require parents to be more careful, is that kids may have been paying closer attention than parents thought and modeled their behavior after that of their families. Of course, most people realize that setting a good example has always been important, but many parents may not have realized how much their behavior and attitudes can influence their teen-agers.

Above all, the results show that parents should make continued efforts to spend quality time with their kids. In an age where busy schedules make that harder to do, it can be a challenge. But kids are telling us that’s what they want and need, and the benefits of a closer relationship are irrefutable.