Change Now

What does our youth have to say?

Listen.

During the course of this project, I talked with many teenagers about the subjects discussed on this site. I also conducted surveys with high school students. What I have come to find out is that a teenager has a lot to say. They hold many stories, hidden truths, and wishes The following is primary research I gathered from discussions and a 54-student survey I conducted with teenagers.

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What is popular?

So how common are the problems discussed on this site? These results seem to suggest that the issues are steadily staying put. The following information was gathered from student surveys I collected where partipation ranged from 52-54 total students who answered all questions.

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Drinking and drugs start early

• 47% of teenagers said they have drank or taken drugs at some point
• 51% squeaked by with the win of never trying a substance

Why would a teenager try drugs and alcohol? Curiosity is the leading reason. However, having no reason at all is another. Peer pressure and depression lead some teenagers to use, while not fully understanding the effects lead others to think that it was okay.

The average age for first-time use is 14 years old! Kids are drinking and taking drugs as young as early middle school! This young age proves that this stuff is easy to obtain.

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Why do kids bully?

Many teenagers didn’t know the answer to this question, but some former victims were not afraid to give it a try. According to some teenagers, a bully will tease kids that are different, overweight, poorly dressed, or because they are of a younger age.

These victims also had a lot of frustration to give about their bullies. A kid will bully someone because it is the bully who has the problem. The bully is jealous, loud, irritable, mean, and just has nothing better to do with their time.

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What makes a good parent or teacher?

This is a very important list to look at because this is what needs to be understood for change to happen. Listen to what our youth is saying about the people that influence them the most!

A good parent…

• is understanding
• listens
• is both caring and loving
• shares love with discipline
• puts their kids’ best interests first
• acts more like parents than friends
• prepares their kids for the future
• is funny
• understands what a kid thinks about
• is strict on safety
• is accepting of who you are
• is supportive
• is involved with their kids
• is stern but wants the best for their kids
• will give freedom if it is deserved

A good teacher…

• wants students to succeed
• can teach and learn at the same time
• is easy to talk to
• smiles a lot
• gets students to understand and appreciate the material
• listens to their students
• is funny and interacts with their students
• gives good advice
• stays on topic
• is willing to go out of their way for students
• is interesting
• recognizes personalities and can adjust learning styles

There are some similarities that a good parent and teacher both share. They both are good influences that help keep a child on track. A good parent and teacher care about the problems a child may be facing. They can put themselves in a child’s shoes and understand that you can’t be perfect. Above anything, a good parent and teacher gives a child space but knows when to step in.

Did you get all that because those are some real good characteristics.

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They want positive change

I ran into a lot of negativity throughout this project; but it is important to look at the positives because this is where we should be heading. I asked teenagers what they would like to see change between parents, teachers, friends, and their school. This is what they had to say:

• More understanding
• More people making good choices
• No more lying to parents
• Respect for teachers, parents, and themselves
• Less stress, attitudes, and pressures
• More awareness on the harmful stuff that happens
• Teachers to have more control over the class
• Stop drugs and drinking
• More responsible people
• No more bullying and name calling
• Less groups and more togetherness
• Rid the stupid things that happen nowadays

Did you know a teenager could dream such positive wishes such as these? With some changes, we can make these visions come true—but it starts with you.

So, what are you waiting for?

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