How do you view teenagers in todays society?

Question

Honest opinions on the way they act, dress, carry themselves, how they handle their education, sex life, honesty, influence of peers, etc. Please consider all races, orientations and sexes.

I kind of knew some people would answer like this even though it's your honest opinion but I just want to say that all teens aren't horrible, egotistical monsters, that follow the media, do poorly in school and have tons of unprotect sex. Being a teenager myself, I can understand where alot of you are coming from becasue the media does have a big influene on most teens life. And I do agree to a point. It just scares me sometimes because I realize these are the people I have to live on this world with, and if there doing these things now, what will they do when their 30 or 40. Hopefully they will come to their senses and realize life isn't all about having sex, name brand clothes, continuous boyfriends/girlfriends, hangin the pants off their butts, getting 5 F's on their report card, but something so much more.

Answer 1

I think that we should take responsibility for our own actions and stop blaming everyone else. Some should get a mind of their own and stop being a slave to trends and what society perceives as "correct."

We should also value and take advantage of the education system. I learned that the hard way.

Answer 2

I'm almost 50. I'm smiling - knowing that there is a generation gap - just like there was when I was a teen.

I don't think their style of dress is horrid. Every generation tends to borrow fashions from the past. One thing I don't get are the pants that don't sit on the waist and fall down below their butts. They look so uncomfortable - and goofy.

Some teens are incredibly smart - and will grow up to be very successful. I've watched teens do extemporanious speeches and debate - and they are incredible. I note others in the mall or wherever - and they are giggly and rude and swearing. The word "like" is about 20 percent of their vocabulary. So there is a mix of "types" of teens - of course.

Teens were lying when I was a teen. They are still lying today. I believe technology makes it easier for them. I read an article the other day about how it's easier to lie via e-mail or texting than it is to lie to somebody's face.

Influence of peers... it's HUGE. I do think that kids today are not as good at being "individuals" as my generation was. They wear name brands like crazy (just to fit in) and fads can make or break how you fit in with the crowd. Rap is definately an example of this gone wild. It HAS to be popular just because teens are going along with it and being influenced by a few. There is no way that very many THINKING people are enjoying it.

Sex starts much earlier. I believe we have the media - especially MTV to thank for that. Teens today have never known a society without AIDS. Hooking up is a whole new (and disgusting) thing. My opinion is that nobody should be having sex unless they are ready to raise a child, kill a child or give a child away. There are a lot of people having sex who are not ready to take on the responsibilities that go along with it.

As I said - there are smart, respectful teens out there. But many of them I encounter are rude and self-centered - and yet very insecure about who they are and what they want out of life.

Hope that answers your question.

Answer 3

Well, as a middle school teacher I get to see it all. In general I see a group of kids who don't have a clue and their parents aren't helping any. They are not in touch with reality at all. Their main goal in life is to play professional sports even though the likelihood of this happening is next to nothing. It's sad and I feel so badly for many of them. I see a real lack of care being taken when it comes to dress, manners, and respect. They could care less about their education and see it as a bother. Because of this, they lack direction. They are sexually active WAY too early, see lying to a teacher as ok, cause mom and dad do it all the time, and let their friends lead them around by their noses. I am afraid for our future and if something doesn't happen soon, then it's going to be really really bad. Of course, this doesn't apply to ALL teenagers...I have met some amazing young teens. They are the ones who give me hope that things can turn around. We need parents to start disciplining their children again, and to stop indulging them. They are spoiled rotten and expect everything to be handed to them. As a teacher who probably won't be in the profession very long this is all very frustrating. I feel like I am fighting a losing battle every day. This little rant applies to all races, orientations and sexes. Sorry.......it really does sadden me to see how badly some things are going. I hope it gets better.

Answer 4

Let's face the facts, our children are a direct reflection on how, we as parents, we bring them up. There is a serious breakdown in the moral fiber of the family unit. as a result of this, the yougers act accordingly. If you do not show any moral to them or discuss them, how is a younger to know how to act in a social environment. The result is they do as their friends do. I, as a parent, try to discuss the rights and wrongs, social graces and treatment of others with my son. Because I believe in empowering the child in him taking responsibility at an early age, he is well liked in groups or individuals from 2 to elderly.
The answer basically is: you show the child the way and after that, they'll remember the way to go. The clothes and the rest is an expression of how they were brought up. If they show a non-caring attitude, guess where they got it. Yes you can blame their parents to a degree. yet, some children/teenagers are just "off the map".

Answer 5

I think the teenagers are so busy trying to fit in because the media has this image of how people should look. They dress and act like the stars on TV . They are very open to sex and start at young ages experiencing things that should be left for when you alot older and can understand better what you getting yourself into. they don't have much pride and self respect . They don't care what people think of them, have no respect for anyone and smoke and drink when their bodies can't handle it. They have this whole i don't care a **** what happens attitude. I think its very sad that society has created such copies of the hollywood lifestyles.

Answer 6

every time i am about fed up with rude, and self centered kids, I will run into a few that are nice, and honest and kind, and That gives me some hope. Not all kids are bad, and some are really good! Stranglely enough, a lot of the good kids are goth kids, or young punkers, some sort of outcasts, but that is just their exterior, their inner selves can be pretty mature, and cool.

Answer 7

They are just going through a time when they think they are old enough to make there own decsions so they act rude to ther older family members who try to help them and thats how they act. They can carry themselves into terrible things somtimes so they can just be liked have friends be loved and popular. Some just shoot there education out the door when they do the bad things they do. When it comes to sex they just want to do to see what its like because it feels good. They usally teel lies so they wont be in trouble. Thats how most teenagers are

Answer 8

They are rude, egotistical, know it all, spoiled to the hilt, and no respect for their elders who they think are the stupid ones. It's the elders that raised them but did not teach them to show respect and gratitude for all the hours they spent codling and spoiling them. Now they get a kick in the teeth and told get lost you are stupid. It's a young persons world now, they want to shove the old folks out to a rest home and hope they die soon so all the money don't go to pay for their care, then they can fight over what's left.

Answer 9

the only reason y the teenages are they way they are these days is because of the media you loook on tv now adays there sex violince (mind my spelling) drugs...etc example 50 cent rap punk metal they all talk about drugs sex money suicide killing so they see these images in there head everyday and think it alright to do these things to a point!! i am 18 and i think its the generation before use that screwed use up by promoting these things!

Answer 10

Well not all of us are what you consider "bad". Now a days it's cool to be a kid that's really good at sportsbut are still getting 4.0s, have respect and having friends(me!!!). It really depends on the age group of "teens" that your judging.