Most teenagers these
days go through a wild streak, some lasting longer than others. Some never get
to that point, preferring to behave and study hard and get the grades they need
and want. I think I fall into this category, although I think a lot of this
comes from my parents; they make sure I’m getting the work done, and always
there to help me when I get stuck. Because of my upbringing, I have a lot of
strong morals that a lot of people my age wouldn’t even dream of.
Unfortunately, there are a worryingly large portion of adolescents who run
wild, both in and out of school.
When I encounter such
people, I feel two things; pity and fear.
I feel sorry for them
because quite often these teens are very misunderstood and usually have
underlying problems causing them to be rude and reckless. Also, the decisions
they make now may well be regretted in later life when it comes to getting a
job. I would say university too, but I get the feeling they’re not particularly
bothered about further education.
Despite many fair
laws, a lot of teenagers choose to ignore them, drinking underage,
experimenting with drugs and of course, under age sex, which unfortunately
often leads to unwanted pregnancy. Humans have been drinking alcohol for
centuries, but now laws have been put in place after it has been discovered
alcohol can be harmful, especially for younger people. Drugs are obviously
dangerous for everyone, with all drugs and their respective laws in place for
everyone, along with tobacco and household painkillers. Then with sex, it’s
illegal if you’re under the age of 16.
So many people I know
ignore all these laws, which I think are fair and just. They’re there for a
reason, not just because the government wants to ruin the fun.
It wasn’t that long
ago that most people saved themselves for marriage, waiting to be happily
married before starting a family. Now, this is all but forgotten, with ‘casual
sex’ on the up rise. TV shows like ‘Teen Mom’ and ’Underage and Pregnant’
highlight this, documenting teens who have fallen pregnant at a young age. It
could be argued that alcohol and drugs are largely responsible, turning this
whole issue into a big, crude circle; teens get drunk and high, and end up with
an unwanted baby and lots of regrets.
It’s harsh, but it’s
true. And this is why I think it’s such a big problem; older generations tend
to overlook it, pretend it doesn’t happen and carry on as normal, not wanting
to face the ‘ugly truth’. The government do try to lower the figures, with free
contraception available to youths as young as 13, despite the age 16 limit. Why
hand it out to 13 year olds? Because they know it happens, despite the rules
and regulations.
All this could have
serious effects on our future; if teenagers are more bothered about drink and
drugs than getting a good education, are they going to be able to get jobs when
it comes to it? Or are there going to be even more tax problems in order to
give ‘benefits’ to those who can’t get a job? Are there going to be thousands
of babies born that no one really wants? I think these are possibilities that
need to be considered, especially if this behaviour we see in many of today’s
teens continues to worsen, developing through many generations to come.
It’s not going to
stop overnight, but there is definitely more people could be doing; teenagers
could be more responsible with their actions, thinking about the repercussions
and effects their choices could have later on. But adults, parents, teachers
and MP’s could help as well; making sure teenagers are not consuming alcohol or
drugs, and encouraging them to be responsible.
I am thankful my
parents have drilled many morals into my mind, and I think other families
should do the same thing.
Laws are in place for
a reason, and too many people forget this.
