Does anyone trust youths anymore?

[Thermal]

With all the talk of knife crime and troublesome teens, how has this effected peoples views here? who is to blame? is faith in the younger generation completely lost or do you believe most are still valuable members of the society?

[yesdachi]

Do I trust them to do what? Stay horny and stupid? Yes I trust them completely.

[CountArach]

I am one, so I really don't know what to say. Some of us are morons, of course, but the same could be said about all age groups.

[caravel]

It depends on where you live Aries777777, I have heard many contrasting opinions on this. Generally though it's those that don't actually live nearby the troublespots and the gangs that don't think there's a problem and those that do, that are not only very aware of this problem but want something done about it. I suppose it also depends on where you hail from in the world.

On the whole Teenagers are ok, but there is most definitely a lack of discipline in schools here in the UK and a lack of both discipline and good parenting in the home - and this is leading to the so called "anti social behaviour".

From my perspective, as someone that comes into contact with this problem, it is a serious problem and it is damaging peoples' quality of life in poorer areas (and also spills over into better areas bringing them down as well). Usually it's only a few individuals causing the trouble and making other peoples', and in particular other teenagers' lives, hell.

The kids tend to be from long term benefit claimant families where a few generations have never worked nor comprehend the need to work. They simply rely on state handouts and have grown up expecting to get something for nothing. This is the problem that needs to be cracked before anything will improve.

[Caius]

I'm currently assisting to the University and HS. In Hs there are a lot of stupids, and in Uni not. I'd trust them when they are growing mentally. When they are madure people.

[Rhyfelwyr]

Yes just not when they're full of booze. That doesn't just apply to teenagers though.

And I'm a student...

[Thermal]

well said caravel

[Seamus Fermanagh]

Flogging! That's what's needed.

After all, they already have the rum and the


It's just a joke Banquo, ease off a bit!


I'm not spamming, just having a bit of harmless


Now THAT was uncalled for you bog-trotting


Ouch! I dink you bwoke by dose.


42 Warning Points! But


Okay, I'll go quietly.

[Alexanderofmacedon]

As soon as they mature (and some never do) they're usually fine. Some are not worth trying with and deserve beatings...

[The Celtic Viking]

Well, I chose the option that said that punishment is no option, but that's not my exact point. I just think one should be slower to punish and more lenient when doing so. I just don't see the "troublesome teens" here (though I of course know they exist).

[Thermal]

Well, I chose the option that said that punishment is no option, but that's not my exact point. I just think one should be slower to punish and more lenient when doing so. I just don't see the "troublesome teens" here (though I of course know they exist).

then again people are different in certain circumstances, one of my sisters friends was really caring and friendly to her, because its someone she can associate with being similiar age hobbies etc. yet she treated her parents like something she trod on.

[Samurai Waki]

People haven't fundamentally changed in the last 20,000 some odd years. I don't think the current generation or the next are either inferior or superior. Essentially the same demon with a different mask.

[Hosakawa Tito]

I work in a Correctional Facility that specializes in treating and rehabing first time *convicted of non-violent* felons, mostly teens, but ages do range up to 39. It's called Shock Incarceration. An intensive 6-9 month program run like a military boot camp whose goal is to help turn troubled young peoples' lives in a positive direction. Dept. studies have shown that sending this class of felons into the regular prison system *Criminal University* pretty much condems the vast majority of them to a life of crime under the tutelage of the older career convicts. There is also an enhanced parole program to attempt to keep little Johhny or Suzy from backsliding when they do complete the program and are sent home. The Recidivism rates are better than regular prison parolees, however changing ones life is up to the individual. One has to want to change, and work hard at it; not giving up to temptation at the first snag or difficulty because there will always be those in life. This program is designed to give you that opportunity and teach one the life skills, and instill some self discipline. The carrot: only have to spend 6 months in a much safer correctional setting, get your GED, learn a job skill, turn your life around... The stick: Do your full sentence, usually 3+ years, at Criminal University as "fresh meat" to the general population with all the attendant fears,violence, negative peer pressure that come with it. Choose wisely.

Our most well known graduate is Curtis Jackson *50 Cent*.

I don't think todays generation of teens is much diffent, good or bad, from any that came before. Life is a learning process, and making bad decisions happens to us all. The wise ones grow and learn from their mistakes...unfortunately their are others that never do.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

But then, that's job security for me.

[rory_20_uk]

Most are reasonably behaved and cause no problems and are barely noticed. There is a small number that causes most of the problem. In some estates fewer than 10 can be responsible for over 90% of crime.

Punishment / rehab should be on an escalating scale. The end would be a few months in the Army which in many cases might be enjoyed as the chance to learn practical skills and be in a macho environment may be to their liking.

To erase learning bad habits in prisons, reduce sentences but make the conditions harder e.g. no talking to other inmates for starters.

[yesdachi]

I work in a Correctional Facility that specializes in treating and rehabing first time *convicted of non-violent* felons, mostly teens, but ages do range up to 39. It's called Shock Incarceration. An intensive 6-9 month program run like a military boot camp whose goal is to help turn troubled young peoples' lives in a positive direction. Dept. studies have shown that sending this class of felons into the regular prison system *Criminal University* pretty much condems the vast majority of them to a life of crime under the tutelage of the older career convicts. There is also an enhanced parole program to attempt to keep little Johhny or Suzy from backsliding when they do complete the program and are sent home. The Recidivism rates are better than regular prison parolees, however changing ones life is up to the individual. One has to want to change, and work hard at it; not giving up to temptation at the first snag or difficulty because there will always be those in life. This program is designed to give you that opportunity and teach one the life skills, and instill some self discipline. The carrot: only have to spend 6 months in a much safer correctional setting, get your GED, learn a job skill, turn your life around... The stick: Do your full sentence, usually 3+ years, at Criminal University as "fresh meat" to the general population with all the attendant fears,violence, negative peer pressure that come with it. Choose wisely.

Our most well known graduate is Curtis Jackson *50 Cent*.

I don't think todays generation of teens is much diffent, good or bad, from any that came before. Life is a learning process, and making bad decisions happens to us all. The wise ones grow and learn from their mistakes...unfortunately their are others that never do.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

But then, that's job security for me.

Hey, you’re a moderator in real life too!

Neat program BTW. Our prison system sucks and this sounds like a good alternative for first timers.

[King Henry V]

The youth of today are worms. What they need is a haircut and a good five year stint in the army to learn some discipline. Put some stick about!

[Viking]

Bad behaviour is relative to something. Regardless of that, better clarity is needed. What question do you really ask? Besides, teenagers as homogeneous group, what kind of question is that?

[LittleGrizzly]

You can't really generalise age groups across the world accurately, you get no more information about tenagers from the latest stabbing in london than you do on middle aged people from fritzl...

At 22 im probably just over or on the edge on what people think of as a youth, but i feel the need to point out that whilst teenagers are probably the group i have had the worst experiences with they are probably the group i have also had the best experiences with...

I find more often a teenager willing to help you out whereas an older person will just look down on you because your younger, its my guess that its probably relative to age groups as well, the oldest and the youngest have such different views that the other group is more like a different culture so thier acts are viewed with more suspicion and caution

[Hosakawa Tito]

Hey, you’re a moderator in real life too!

Neat program BTW. Our prison system sucks and this sounds like a good alternative for first timers.

Who's your Daddy?

I find more often a teenager willing to help you out whereas an older person will just look down on you because your younger, its my guess that its probably relative to age groups as well, the oldest and the youngest have such different views that the other group is more like a different culture so thier acts are viewed with more suspicion and caution

The only discernable difference between teens and older adults has nothing to do with intelligence, abilities, communication/observation skills, etc... it's experience. Applying the knowledge gained from experience & observation *and the will to use it* is really the only advantage an adult has over any teen.

[Spino]

Never trust anyone over under 30...

[Lord Winter]

To erase learning bad habits in prisons, reduce sentences but make the conditions harder e.g. no talking to other inmates for starters.

Didn't we try that in the early 1900's?

[naut]

People haven't fundamentally changed in the last 20,000 some odd years. I don't think the current generation or the next are either inferior or superior. Essentially the same demon with a different mask.

[Husar]

I think the majority (51%) are okay.

[Devastatin Dave]

Could you please define "youths"? Are we talking age or are we talking muslims burning cars and rioting in Europe? Hmmmm, I guess either way, the answer is no for me...

[Hax]

No.

Most of them are scum.

signed: 15-year old.

[Tristuskhan]

No.

Most of them are scum.

signed: 15-year old.

And most of them remain scum even as they grow older....

signed: a 33 years old.

[Thermal]

Could you please define "youths"? Are we talking age or are we talking muslims burning cars and rioting in Europe? Hmmmm, I guess either way, the answer is no for me...

were talking from the age of -9months up to 131 years

[shlin28]

Most teenagers are untrustworthy, rude to Muslims and gays and to people wearing blazers from a "neeky school", and chavvy. (Especially the younger ones)

Signed- a 15 year old

[pevergreen]

Its true. I am enrolled in a high reputation Lutheran School, in my final year. In the cohort of 275 people, I am the only person that does not drink alcohol. That isnt to say the others only do it once a year, 80% + its every two weeks. Not only are most of them underage, many have been arrested in public places for various things. It is a worrying trend. I do not trust my fellow peers. End of school is very soon, last day on the 21st of November. Then the traditional Australian Schoolies, one week where they all somehow get alcohol, drink themselves stupid and have lots of meaningless sex. I have completely abstained from it, and I get scorn from everyone. While everyone else is partying, I shall be on these forums, perhaps playing some games or maybe even just applying for a job or two.

Aside from that, its just simple, youths (15-22/23) can not be trusted. Get them in a full time job for a few years, then take a proper look at them.

edit: i voted Most of them are foul and rude, the majority need punishment

[KukriKhan]

I raised 5 youths through various parts of their teen years. And I still remember my own teenage years, as if they were yesterday.

I steal Reagan's dictum: "Trust. But verify." Trust is a thing to be learned, and earned. Like personal honour, individual integrity, and those other "adult" things that youth always yearns for, before they fully understand them.

It's been ever thus, I think, as Wakizashi points out. The current crop gives me hope for the future; but I still watch them with a jaded eye. :)