The Teen’s Speech

Teens of the UK speak out

On Christmas Day this year, teenage Britain delivered its own message to the nation. Broadcast just after the Queens Speech on myspace it gives a powerful message to adults and a great insight into youth of today.

Listening to it here are the messages I took out.

Most young people find it difficult to identify or communicate with their families this is cited by the youth as been a reason some join gangs.

If you are exposed to violence it becomes the norm and expected.

Most youth are very distrustful of the government and politics and believe the voting age should be lowered.

They have very dim views of the education system saying it does not prepare them for life and teachers are to focused on the trouble makers.

Youth want to learn and engage from adults but most will not approach them.

I think these are strong messages and show us that the youth of the UK do want to reach out if we are willing to accept them.

I love things like this but my only fear as with all good ideas is that no one does anything with the information and nothing changes.

What do you think?

Wisdom from a young entrepreneur

Vanessa Van Patten gives advice

Here is an exert from a  recent blog post by one of mu favourite bloggers. I love the way she is so honest and open in all the she writes.

Thanks Vanessa for inspiring others.

Read more

Stop complaining about young people and take action!

What are we doing, as a society, that has some young people go to such extremes?

That is the question I recently asked one of my teen writers. I shared this quote with her – “What we do to our children, they will do to society.” I asked her what we as the adults may be doing to make a young person feel that certain options are their only choice?

Here is Anne’s  answer

Though the answer to this question could have a million possibilities and outcomes, I have chosen a more basic, general route. I think the answer to the question is a simple formula.

A supportive, present parent= an independent child= a better society

If a parent is present in a child’s life, is there to love them, and be there when they need help, support or someone to talk to, then their child will feel supported. I think when a child feels supported, they will grow into a teen that is more independent and confident, knowing that they have support to fall back on. With that independence, they can make everyday decisions based on what they want and think is right, rather than what their peers think, and will probably be successful in life and a benefit to society.

A vacant parent= a dependent child= a weak society

When a parent is not present in their child’s life, but just there to give them the necessities (food, shelter, clothes) but no attention, support or love, their child will probably lack confidence, crave attention and feel lost. When a child feels like that, especially when they age into a teenager, rather then going to their parents for support and attention, they will turn to their friends. A teenage friend may be nice and listen to the teen, but they do not love and really care about the teen. It is not hard for the teen to be taken advantage of and to make poor decisions that could be harmful. And of course a society of people who don’t believe in themselves and who don’t know how to express their feelings in a positive, confident way, is not a strong society.

Though there are exceptions to my formula, I think it is the basic reason as to why some teens do the extreme things they do, and why society is not reaching its full potential. In my opinion, the exception is not worth the risk.

About Annie

My name is Annie Brebner. I am fourteen years old and am the eldest of three kids. I live In Ontario, Canada. I am in Grade 9 and am in my first year of high school. I like to read, play the gutair, cook, hang out with my friends, and watch movies. I play on a girls ice hockey team, I run and I also am pretty dedicated to my ballet.
I am really interested in travel and I want to one day visit Europe!