Treat Trouble Teens With Care

Lately, there have been many cases of reported teenage violence. Some of these episodes were filmed and uploaded on the Internet by their perpetrators.

Some people may not be moved by these incidents. Others may be shocked. There could be as many personal responses as there are unique individuals out there. However, the most common feeling that may arise is fear; parents fearing for their children's safety in school, children fearing school because of bullies, schools fearing for their reputation may be spoilt.

And more often than not, fear triggers our primal defensive instincts. Teenagers will become more aggresive and sensitive to feel secure, and eventually gangs will form.

The result is an overall climate of fear and loathing. As a teenager myself, I can attest to this.

Today, we live in an increasingly miserable society. The current events shaping the future aren't pretty. Just switch on a news channel or flip the newsaper and you will hear and read about wars, famine, rape, robbery, abuse and a mutitude of disaster threatening us.

In response, we become more pessimistic and cynical. And with the new trend of bullies uploading their exploits on the Internet, things do not seen to be getting perkier.

Futhermore, society treats troubled teens as if they are deadly criminals. There are ideas about "counselling" and being "rational and gentle". But really, I do not see it happening. It is sad to note that such action would only be sought each time a tragedy occurs.

An ex-tuition mate of mine took to alcohol to ease his depression. His parents kept comparing him with his tall, handsome and high-achieving brother. And when he could not live up to their expectations, his father would cane him.

To sum it all, teenage delinquency in the 21st century is a product of a vicious cycle - adults easing their frustrations in ways that have adverse effects on their children, making children uneasy with the world around them.

These youth then take out their frustrations on each other, hance, a climate of fear n loathing spreads. These teenagers are then reprimanded severely and ineffectively by their guardians.

Eventually, they will just grow up to be just like their elders.