Teenage! Every 11-12 years old child would be eager about this age, and most of the 19-20 years old youth would still love to be called a "teenager". What is so facinating about this age in our lives? The answer I got when i thought so is the process of growth and learning, the anxeity, fun, experiences, friends, parties and everything related; and i'm sure that many of you will agree to that.
Most of the "urban" teenagers are given all the freedom by their parents, as they are expected to take up and learn whatever interests them, and make a satisfying career for themselves. But it wouldn't be cliched in saying that this freedom is misused by most of them nowadays, because at the end of the day teenagers end up getting over independence and privacy for themselves. Parents having a busy life of their own may be one reason for this.
We hear of unpleasant cases everyday, MMS scams, eloping of teenage couples(who haven't even made a career and have no income), drunken driving and accidents, drug addiction...and the list can go on. Teen pregnancy is another concern on this list! There is a concernable growth of these cases as per the statistics. Young boys and girls who are not even realistically aware of the various consequences in the society, get into serious relationships which is matter of "level" for quite a lot of them. The independence, privacy, a bulky valet and access to cars(without holding a license in many cases) give room to development of weak moments between such young couples!
What a tender teenage girl goes through during all this is a matter of concern. That fear, trauma, restlessness, tension, mental disturbance! The rift in relationships with family, friends and society. If they would have had a realistic idea of all this, do you think they would act so foolish?
It is mostly the city and town youth that are privileged to have so many educational and opportunities, and they get to socialize in so many ways. This fills their journey through teenage with so many good and bad experiences, all to learn from! We are all aware that in ancient India and also in the present rural India almost all the teenagers have the responsibility of livelihood on them and a quite a lot of them are married off and tied down from growth in life. This keeps them from developing mentally in the right way. Pregnancies at a young age in these cases affect the health and mentally disturbs the unprepared minds in a major way. And this is the reason why many social reformers fought against "child marriage" and got several educational reforms.
Even after learning Indian history and the consequences, youth fall prey to such desires and emotions without giving much thought. It affects their education, relationships, mental state and in a small or big way, their life! Not to forget the abortions that affect health! It disturbs the society aswell.
Now instead of blaming the kids alone for all of this, parents also need to keep a check on the freedom and privacy the children get. And instead of just "teaching" history, the education system, schools in particular, should make an extra effort and conduct sessions, enlightening the teenagers about the various consequences in this generation, share few instances and show them the line to be drawn in a "boy-girl" relationship at this age. This shall definitely help them in breaking the glass of "fantasy" and getting "realistic".
At the end of all this, teenagers are no small ignorant kids. They do have the ability of telling right from wrong. And so this is to all the teenagers reading...don't ignore your views and your conscience people! And never forget that things are best enjoyed and safe when done at the time meant, or "age" in this case. Also don't ever ignore our famous old saying, "Prevention is better than cure".
To all such desperate young kids out there, i can only say, all these things only make the otherwise best time of life, gloomy. So be wise and act smart. Enjoy as you are meant to!