Few have an issue with young ones 'hanging out' and as you rightly pointed out
we all did it when we had our turn at being young. As a teen I was given enforced
boundaries that came with consequences if we overstepped them but we were
still able to enjoy being teens with little money in our pockets and not resorting
to certain standards of behaviour to make a point. There was no world of computers
and the internet was probably something out of science fiction but there were other
activities. Granted, young ones today......
"These kids -- and everyone else- are more affluent and much better educated than
of old so why should they be content with 'nothing' and no where to go when they dress
up and 'go out'."
Equally, when you and I were teens, in a different time and place, we were more
affluent and better educated than those before us. We too would dress up and 'go out'
or 'dress down' as the case may be depending on the activities. With the march of
time comes changes in activities for the young ones and we need to change with that,
however, that doesn't mean changing basic behaviour standards.
There was indeed a time when police, parents and teachers had more power. Too
much is a dangerous thing but equally so is too little. There was also a time where
there was more interaction between generations, yet we still had a great deal of time
to be with our peers. We learnt to respect police, parents and teachers, but, having
said that, there would always be some who would fight against those boundaries. Yes,
it is good for young ones to reach out, explore, test waters and be adventurous, it is
part of becoming an adult. Boundaries and guidelines were not to stop these activities
but to give a buffer as a protection and they are easily moved out, more often than
not as a natural progression.
Provision of physical activities such as skateboard rinks comes with the "Nanny Protection"
that is inclined to think ...oOo... Mustn't have those, someone might get hurt - we might
get sued for providing it ...oOo... Young ones have a build up of energy and need to let
off steam so to speak, each according to his/her ability. To not be able to do that is to
invite trouble.
As adults we can only look in from the outside and base things on our own experience,
which, I believe is still very valid. Surveying pupils at school, I agree, is a very good
start. Any provision of drop-in place requires funding as does any activity centre where
they can be physically active.
At the end of the day, it becomes a 2 way street. Give and take on BOTH sides coupled
with respect and appreciation on both sides. It also takes funding, organising and running
of schemes and people to do it. What do others think? One suggestion could be to actively
encourage the young ones to assist in helping themselves by engaging in fundraising activities
rather than wait for all to be provided. The kind of thing that comes to mind is car-washing for
example.
__________________
Cool 
|