Teenage and Social Issues

For this term, the article I have chosen is about two months old, from 2007.

Title of Article: Teens' Wild Night Out
Author: Melody Zaccheus
Print Media: Straits Times, under the Gen Y Section
Date: 16 December 2007

Background:
Basically, the article talks about how teenagers go to parties and smoke, and abuse drugs and alcohol without the knowledge of their parents. It describes the lengths to which these youths deceive their parents to go for such parties, with some spending up to three days away from home to recover from hangovers after the partying. The author of the article also interviewed two counsellors, who both agree that the teenager cannot be stopped from such activities, but that parents should be alert for warning signs and act when necessary.

Commentary:

Youths today are often seen as rebellious and desperately wanting to be 'cool', and this image is further reinforced all too often.

Recently, a writer for the Straits Times investigated the parties of teenagers. She found that such gatherings are often used to use cigarettes, drugs and alcohol. The teenagers, often students, say that they are mature enough to handle their activities and manage their lives, and thus can do whatever they like, while parents do not know what they are doing. All teenagers interviewed say that it is 'healthy fun' and is for destressing.

Personally, I feel that the shocking, illegal, underage activies occurring at the parties are obviously wrong and should not be done by anyone, let alone immature youths. While I have never been exposed to such activities, it is probably all too common in today's youths. A group of teenagers spending time together will succumb to peer pressure and do all sorts of stupid things, only to regret it later.

These teenagers, despite enjoying themselves now, will suffer later. Taking drugs, drinking alcohol and smoking all take a toll on one's health, and these youths will eventually get lifelong diseases like cancer, or even overdose on drugs in a moment of folly and take their lives in the process. Even if they somehow miraculously avoid these problems, if they are caught by the police for violating underage laws, they will have a black mark on their records, impairing their job opportunities and future.

These narrow minded teenagers cannot see how their actions will lead to their downfall, with one even saying 'What harm does a little tobacco and alcohol do?'

Fortunately, counsellors interviewed by the author warn parents to be alert and ensure that their children do not err on the wrong side of the law. Hopefully, action will be taken appropriately, because in the long run, the youths will definitely be grateful that their parents stepped in to prevent a lifetime of misery and suffering.