do you think teenagers are troubled?

Question

I love being a teenager. I've had to grow up with a very strict step-dad (he was born in the 60's to very strict catholic parents) and most of the time we disagree (well almost all of the time). He doesnt like the way i dress, where i go out, the music i listen to, what time i get in from nights out etc.

For me, being a teenager is all about having fun while you still can, we have little responsibilty (from here on its marriage, family etc etc). I hate being stereotyped though, so what if i listen to different types of music, or have a night in town after a long week of work/college, or I like to have a couple of drinks after a long week (im 19 - allowed to drink) and catch up with my friends. Im having fun, the way our parents, grandparents etc did when they were our age. And maybe its different to what they did for fun, but times have changed, people have changed and we just have to roll with it.

Yeah there are teenagers out there who do take drugs and are violent drinkers and are asbo kings/queens, they give the rest of us a bad name. If people want to stereotype the rest of us then its their problem, in my opinion they're the arrogant ones for thinking that teen out there acts like the 'skins' characters (its a program on e4).

I know its easy to say, but times really have changed. And im sick of being looked down on because im 'under the age of 20' and therefore must be 'troubled' somehow.

Lots of my friends have had babies, they also have great partners and houses of their own, are holding down jobs while being full-time parents and are setting a great example for their children.

If small minded people cant wake up and realise that the world is changing and instead of being criticised or looked down on, teens should get recognition for the work they do, or the children they are raising or at least a bit of praise for steering clear of the asbo's or drugs etc, instead of all of us being labelled 'drugged up, drink fuelled, anorexic/overweight, suicidal, depressed' teenagers.

And do people stop to think that maybe the teenagers who are some of these things might actually need help or support or just a bit of comfort...

(my rant is now over)

an asbo is an 'anti-social behavior order (for troubled teens who cause havoc of the streets or to their neighbours etc)

Answer 1

what a fantastic teen you are, so mature and i just think you are adorable! i have 2 teenage sons, 16 and 18 and (although hard at times) try really hard not to clip their wings, i remember my teens.....oh i know it was an absolute age ago (well according to my 2 teens anyway) but i totally agree with you not all teens are t******s but as parents we do worry, its instinct (particularly as i remember my teens and what i got up to.....nothing too wild may i add just normal drinking partying etc....lying about where i was going you know the usual) i think your parents should read this and will be extremely proud of your maturity.. you are only young once and damn right enjoy it you have years before you need to think of marriage and kids and at least when you are ready for that you will have done all of the things you wanted to do and as sinatra famously said..... "you did it your way!" you go for it and have huge amonts of fun and thanks to your question i am going to make a concerted effort not to worry as much about mine because they are great level headed lads and i maybe dont give them enough credit so thankyou and enjoy being young and carefree good luck to you!

Answer 2

No i dont think teenagers are troubled. I have had three girls and seen two through their teens and my youngest is 17. I have always treated my children the way I want to be treated by them and anyone else and that is with respect.
Yes we had and still have rules of house and my rules are simple. Where are you going, who with, what time are you back and how are you getting back?
This is not to be a strict parent this is giving rules and making sure my daughters where safe at all times. As I explained by knowing where they are and who with in the event of something bad happening god forbid we would know where to start looking. Time home so we dont bolt door and getting home for safety sake we fetch if no other arrangements are made.
Respect is the word talk and treat teens the same way you expect to be treated like a human and everything will be ok.
I agree some people do not give teenagers credit where credit is due and do tar with the same bad brush but I for one am not one of them.
Much respect! You have a very mature mind for a teen and that is not being patranising it is shoing my appreciation for your brain.!

Answer 3

I know where you are coming from sweety, i was stereotyped when i was a teen, and i have a step-daughter who is 14. troubled, some are like the ones who think they dont want to live but most are just wanting their freedom, i still do ha ha ha.. but life is what it is you should never put anyone in a category.. be happy no matter what people say or do be yourself love your music love your self thats all i can say the rest is up to you sweety, life is only what you make it, take what you like and leave the rest behind, if something happens just Wipe the dust off and move on.. good luck.. oh if you know someone who you think truely needs help tell someone, or talk to them about it. you can actually save a life just by being a friend...

Answer 4

Everyone is different have different views, beliefs, cultures, experiences and interests thats what makes the world so shitty and so wonderful. You have to learn things before you have full blown responsibilty as you wont just change over night because you hit a certain age or even have kids. get married. It dont matter what generation you grow up it will always be the same. Teenagers expermient rebel and cause as much trouble as they want but then theirs others who dont but you will always have parents giving out about something. Ok look back when your kid and compare what kids have now. Bt you will say some of the things your parents say o some degree.

Answer 5

I for one have starred your question or statement of the day.

Too often, young people are, as you say, stereotyped and in most cases, wrongly.

There are youngsters who are quite the opposite and you have eloquently identified them. People are naturally apprehensive when they see hooded figures in the darkness but sometimes it is the darkness of their minds.

You seem to have been brought up like me, although in my case I did not have the luxury of a Father or Step-Father to guide me. My Father left home when I was 3 and never returned. All my direction was carved out by my Mother.

Now that I have retired from a very full and interesting life, never sampled drugs, been closely connected to authority and living it up in retirement, my consideration is that tarring youthful behaviour, as long as it doesn't encroach on others well being, is alright.

The ones that let your generation down are often the product of less careful parents than yours, were used to getting their own way as children and know no better. I am concerned how the degeneration will pan out.

Good for you, speaking for the silent majority!

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Answer 7

The teenage years are the best years you will ever have.
The teenage years are the worst years you will ever have.

catch my drift?


I think someone should start standing up for teenagers, and showing parents how 90% of teenagers aren't these horrible gang people, drug addicts, and alcoholics. if they did then they'd get really famous, and help the world.

Besides, forget about your dad.

Answer 8

These are complex, troubled times to be an adult in, let alone to grow up in. The best comment I ever heard, and it's still true, I believe, is that no teenager is as confident as he (or she) appears to be.

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Answer 10

So... are you frustrated with your step dad or just parents. All parents or adults are like that. they have to get to know you before they change their mind. An your step dad knows you and if he doesn't like what you wear or listen to that's his problem and he needs to get over it because if you changed the way you looked and what you listen to there is always going to be somebody that doesn't like something else about you. And to answer your last question No, no one stops to think maybe they are acting like that for a reason maybe we should help. so in the end teenagers are always going to be known as trouble makers or bad kids and the kids that are great just have to prove to every one they are and that sucks!!! i hope i answered your question :)
-kristen