Materialism at root of teenage rebellion
It is often said that young people are the pillars of future society, but I think today's youth lack proper values, moral judgment and a sense of responsibility.
Many problems - juvenile delinquency, for example - are a by-product of the rapid changes taking place in society.
It is obvious from news reports that youngsters are frequent law-breakers. They get involved in all sorts of things in defiance of the law, including shoplifting, robbery and gang violence.
The main cause is materialism. These youths are fond of brand-name products and if their parents do not give them enough money, they may resort to shoplifting.
Young people nowadays are more rebellious and many do not obey their parents.
If parents ask them to study, they often act lazier. The more parents tell them what to do, the more they disobey.
The reason they are rebellious is that they are affected by their friends and the media.
Young people crave excitement. Driven by curiosity, they take drugs and smoke. They are misled by bad movies and magazines. They want to forget about problems in the real world and that's why drug abuse is a serious problem.
Youth suicide is becoming more common. When some teenagers think no one cares, they kill themselves to escape their woes. They often are too pessimistic and weak to face the challenges.
Education is the key to solving the problems young people face in the 1990s. Schools should not neglect the teaching of morality. Parents should accept greater responsibility for teaching their children.
The media should not mislead young people with programmes about sex and violence. Rather, it should help them lead more meaningful lives.
Man-wing is a student of the Immaculate Heart of Mary College
