are teenagers given too much freedom? what was it like then?
447978
I think that most parents do not discipline their children these days. The problem is that the cost of living is so high they are trying to afford just to survive rather than being with their children and teaching them better behaviour. \n\nKids have no respect these days and that is learnt from the home. More needs to be done in the household but as the divorce rate increases more kids are coming from broken families it just gets worse. \n\nFreedom is not something you should just give. I have seen so many of my friends go down the wrong path like pregnant at 15 or raped or on drugs. Kids are making adult decisions by themselves and really can't handle the consequences.  \n\nI think that kids need to understand that there are dangers out there and not think they are being imprisoned at home rather they are being given a loving lifestyle. Sure the time will come when kids go on to be an adult but be sensible learn from what you have been taught and have respect for people and more importantly yourself.
803712
yes, but they are turned into pervs by societies sexual repression. you should also consider the christian rights folks rabid obsession with the laws on sex. there ar a lot of people in jail for being 18 when there girlfriend's 16 ...
666825
I think its because their parents let them do what ever they want when ever they want to do it. I'm 14 and i don't support any teenager doing that kind of stuff they should Wait till marriage.
761405
I am a juvenile (though not a criminal :P) so i think i can answer that question.  \n\n1. parents who set rules and don't enforce them , or parents who don't want to set rules, for fear of their kid not liking them, or being too strict.  let me tell you, all you parents out there : BE STRICT WITH US!! this may sound abnormally absurd coming from a teenager, and you may be thinking what has she been smoking, but i can tell you that my parents are stricter than most of my friend's parents, and i am better off for it.  kids need to be treated differently for who they are, but rules are nessicary, and extremely helpful.. and all the rules in the world will not help if they are not inforced\n\n2.  lack of respect.  i was spanked as a kid, and there is truth to spare the rod and spoil the child.  think about this: when did we start thinking that spanking and disciplining was bad?  and when did school shootings start?  i sense a connection! when you are given the rules from the start, you will follow them.  teenagers are extremely disrespectful to teachers, and they are past caring about suspension and detention.  \n\n3. the organizations that say that spanking your seven year old when he blatantly lies to your face is wrong.
728018
I don't think we had more freedom when 'toffs' (I assume you mean the Conservative Party) ruled.  It's a different climate now, the war and terrorism have sparked a loss of freedom.  A lot of of people got wealthy under Thatcher, which means they could buy their freedom, but it was at the cost of the miners losing their jobs, and many Welsh villages are still suffering because of that.\n\nMorality is a subjective issue and I don't think anyone should be looking to the Royal Family for guidance on that one!\n\nI don't feel spiritually bedraggled at all, and I don't see what that has to do with government or royalty unless you're imposing some sort of compulsary church attendance, which would be flying in the face of liberty...\n\n\nI'm a left winger, very much so, and while may not approve of wither Tony Blair or New Labour, I'd rather have them, considering that we elected them, than have some archaic old bag who's only in power through an accident of birth, start meddling in my life.
71952
I had a great time as a teen going to youth group activities both at my own church and my friends' churches. I never felt like I had to do anything immoral or illegal to have a good time. I learned a lot about the Bible and my relationship with God was nurtured and strenghthened. Pairing off was never a big concern for me because I was a late bloomer and guys weren't that interested in me. \n\nThere were so many things I got to do. Hay rides with hot chocolate made by church ladies waiting when we got back. Silly camp songs. Canoing. Playing hide and seek at night. Lock-ins. Movies. I don't know. Maybe I'm just easy to please and have fun doing most anything. \n\nThe youth pastors that made a big impact on my life were kind, genuine, honest people. They lived what they taught and took their faith seriously, but knew how to have fun. Keep up the good work. It really does make a difference.
1073447
there were dopey teens before there was myspace, and they found plenty of dopey things to do.\n\nkatherine lester sounds pretty low-ceilinged to me - but i've heard worse.\n\nwhen i was at school (shortly after the wright brothers scaled everest ) one of the cleverest girls in our year married the boyfriend she had been with for three years on her eighteenth birthday.\n\nwe thought this was a bit questionable. girls were just starting to go to college  - and sylvia had already said she wanted to be with adrian so much she wouldn't bother.\n\nbut the girl was eighteen. at some stage you have to start treating people like grown-ups.\n\nthe marriage lasted just over fourteen months. sylvia had still managed to lose touch with all her friends, miss her place in the educational system, and develop bad depressions she still suffers from.\n\nbut at some point you have to start treating people like grown-ups.\n\nif you let people make choices - some of those choices will be bad ones.\n\nbut how else are they going to learn?
611427
It's called rebellion.  I had 3 teenage girls at the same time.  A teen feels they are old enough to make their own decisions and don't need their parents telling them what to do.  You don't realize that your parents were once teens also and they know and understand what is going on with you because they went through it to.  truth is, you are not old enough to know better.  You think you are, but you are not.  Parents only want what is best for their children no matter what age.  As hard as it may be, try listening to your parents.  Sit down and talk.  Ask them why they are being so forbidden on certain liberties that you want.  You will be surprised how understanding parents can really be.  Don't give up...it gets better, believe me.
1133435
I am a youth counselor at a detention center for at risk youth and I see this alot. Now I am only 23 years old so I don't know how much I can influence the crowd here but here it goes. I think with the kids I deal with there are 2 main things that add to the equation. Parents and Pop Culture. With parenting I think people arent willing to put in the time and also agree with the fact that parents are trying to be friends. Also I don't know if there is any connection but I would say with the number of single parents increasing and the age at which people are impregnated. A irresponsible youth can't raise a responsible person. By the time the kids I work with get to be teenagers, the parent usually wants to make up for the teenage years that they themselves lost leaving a kid to fend for himself. As far as pop culture goes I just isn't popular to be nice anymore most music is about being depressed or being a gangster, alot of the movies my youth watch when not in program have to do with the same or with sexual acts. Well that's all on this matter for now any questions feel free to write.\n Timmy
449042
People preferred safety over freedom. Bad choice on their part.
34050
21. the same goes for voting, going into the army (unless waivers are granted), driving a motor vehicle, owning a firearm, and so forth. reasons being that todays teens are not cognitively aware enough of their surroundings after being nearly self-raised (remember latch key kids?) in a world of instant gratification. \n\nTeens today need to spend a greater core of their time watching and learning before being exposed to any of the above endeavors.
231590
Depends. Generally speaking, yes; except in cases where the 16-year-old cannot consent on the basis of mental condition, student-teacher relationship, etc.\n\nhttp://onlinedocs.andersonpublishing.com/oh_print/lpExt.dll/PORC/133b1/135f6?f=templates&fn=document-frame-chapter.htm&2.0#JD_h2-290702
535133
It can seem like it sometime.  I have read your other answers and wonder if any of them have had to be in the same house with a teenager that you are punishing.  Good luck...this to shall pass.
1162170
Somebrowing said "Hey parents, babies still don't make themselves."  High five to you, woman! I feel very fortunate because when I grew up, chores and privileges were delegated by age, not gender. My brothers and I were all taught to be self-sufficient and responsible. Our parents both had careers and were excellent role models for us. I can do basic car maintenance and my brothers can cook and sew....and vice versa. \nWe all had the same curfews based on age and were expected to let our parents know where we were at all times. I think boys and girls can both have many privileges and a great deal of freedom if they act responsibly.
163966
no!!!\nIt is up to the parents to decide wether something is apropriate for their child to watch.\nSome people might say that the parents can't always be around....well then they should teach their kid to obey the rules....AND.....CHANNEL BLOCK.\nBut most of it should be allowed anyway. Parents should trust their teenagers to make the right decisions.
175817
Yes with parents' consents. i think its fine if u r above 16.
6014
Well.  This is a very subjective question.  I must say, that for many youths today, they are simple victems of their parents having to earn more money, and spend more time apart from the family in order to make ends meet.  The simple fact of the matter is that money requirments are just raising each day if not exponentially each year.  The more time the parents stay away from their children, either intentional or by necessity, the children must look to other places for guidance.\n\nFor many children, simply talking different, or behaving different is ascribed to what is 'cool' at the time.  And, what may you ask defines what is 'cool'?  Well that is a social interaction between children.  What they percieve as cool for others can often be percieved as what is cool for themselves.\n\nParents in general are concerned about making sure their children are safe, and are learning, as to how the child develops, ect, they usually leave that to the schools or the doctors; both of which don't really have the resources or time to spend to make the child into a more 'acceptable' adult.\n\nHowever, the aspect of violence is often subjective in today's day and age.  Many times it is just a responce to a given stimuli that the child has to face.  Because of the competitive nature of our society, those children that do not 'fit in' or are of a 'minority' group tend to be faced with many challenges from those within the 'popular' or 'majority' crowds.  Because of this violence is one of the main answers.  It is, after all, a base instinct that drives our need for survival.\n\nIf one is directly a threat we respond with either a flight or fight responce.  For many children, the fight responce is the primary.  The flight responce, due to the nature of today's society is considered cowardly, and is not looked upon by children of substantial age (those over 13).  Because of this, violence often happens, as do fights and prejudice within the social culture of children and teenagers.\n\nThe problem here is that once it has begun, it is very difficult to change the child for the better.  Mainly this is because once the stimuli has taken place, and the resonce has taken hold in the child, and the child has no other options given at the time, their brain and thought process is to work with what they are given.  In this situation it is simply the aspect of fight without any other choice.\n\nIf the child is given another choice besides fighting, or flight, but to talk, and try to disarm, then the situation is different.  But, too few parents today can see the merit of talk over fighting.  Indeed, many parents are just like their children, seeing fault in many people and then training their children to behave in a similar hateful way.\n\nReligion is also not the answer to this, because many types of religions, to include christianity, teach you to be intolerant of those who are different.  AFter all, you MUST change them into what YOU are to make them feel needed and accepted.  As this is the case with many religions out there, the aspect of religion is not the cure all.\n\nWhat can be done?  Simple accountability of the parents in regards to the child's life.  If the parents take a more active stance within thier childrens life, even if they are unable to direct the time, they can at least make some sort of effor tin other ways.  if the child doesn't feel trapped, or hindered, they won't resort to violence on the average.  Instead, they will resort to seeking out the aid of their peers and parents to resolve an issue.\n\nBut, who knows.  The social dogma today is to be a conforming christian.  If you are not one you are a minority.  If you are already a minority then you are 2x damned, and somtimes if you are of a minority of a minority 3x damned.  \n\nUntill the social stratus changes to allow for the variances within the human society, and to allow for true freedoms, then w