..Made Free.
.Made Alive..
.the Nathan..
Nic.Nathan
Christian
RJC Year 1.
Rec. Badminton
17+yrs
19 Aug
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed.
Perplexed, but not in despair.
Persecuted, but not abandoned by God.
Struck down, but not destroyed.
2 Corinthians 4:8
Teen Crime
Monday, August 27, 2007, 8:25 PM
Teen crime getting out of control in Britain – ST (Main Page), Monday, 27th August
Why are teens getting more and more violent these days? Is it because of technology; reduced parental guidance; violent games and movies? Well I believe that all the factors listed have each its part to play.
Nowadays, the internet and television has enabled people around the world to connect with each other; and so violence can spread across the world through forums and chat rooms with ease. Furthermore, television has evolved from the time of horror and science fiction movies such as “The Blob” and “Count Dracula”, which may seem a little amusing, to movies like “Saw” and “The Matrix”; which are bloody beyond imagination, full of bullet dodging and hand to hand combat.
Such new movies with their thrilling violence promising a rush of adrenaline result in youths wanting to experiment on their own. “The Matrix” has made combat seem so exciting and alluring. Teens who do not give a second thought to such violence could end up being victims of them, and in turn cause others to suffer too.
But it is not only the increasingly violent video games and movies; but also more relaxed views on discipline and lack of parental guidance, that has aided the rise of violence. Teachers today do not punish their students the way they used to back in their day. Parents are also encouraged to talk with the kids instead of producing the rod. Teens who commit certain crimes too are able to get away with a just few hours of counselling. So in a way, the phrase “spare the rod and spoil the child” is coming to pass.
Moreover, paper qualifications are becoming more and more important in the world today. Teens are being pushed way harder than their parents were when they were young. Also, stress is a word that is becoming more and more common. The lack of parental support in these ‘stressful’ times causes youths to stray and find other forms of console; like violent video games, or by linking up with ‘friends’ who accept them for who they are. These teens feel that they are able to relief their stress through the sense of victory and control portrayed by the games. The games then not only relief stress but also allow teens to smile at scenes of death and acts of bloodshed.
These violent images and ideas then embed themselves into the mind of the player, causing him his thoughts to become more aggressive and cruel. “Grand Theft Auto” is one such example of a violent game; in which the player can steal, manage vices, and gun down anyone he chooses, all without suffering any consequences. Many may become slaves to such games, allowing their minds to be encompassed with violence. Violence soon becomes a game; a sort of real time ‘Counter-Strike’, complete with life-like effects and surround sound.
Simply put, technology brings violence to our doorsteps, stress pushes youths towards violence, and finally the lack of guidance ad support from parents and peers allow the kids to pick up these violent habits.
In all, we can blame the increase of teen crime rates on society. Society has not given enough attention to young people; it has raised the standards and expects much more of teens; it has allowed youths more freedom and the ability to choose their own paths. Consequently some end up going down paths of crime and deceit.
Why are teens getting more and more violent these days? Is it because of technology; reduced parental guidance; violent games and movies? Well I believe that all the factors listed have each its part to play.
Nowadays, the internet and television has enabled people around the world to connect with each other; and so violence can spread across the world through forums and chat rooms with ease. Furthermore, television has evolved from the time of horror and science fiction movies such as “The Blob” and “Count Dracula”, which may seem a little amusing, to movies like “Saw” and “The Matrix”; which are bloody beyond imagination, full of bullet dodging and hand to hand combat.
Such new movies with their thrilling violence promising a rush of adrenaline result in youths wanting to experiment on their own. “The Matrix” has made combat seem so exciting and alluring. Teens who do not give a second thought to such violence could end up being victims of them, and in turn cause others to suffer too.
But it is not only the increasingly violent video games and movies; but also more relaxed views on discipline and lack of parental guidance, that has aided the rise of violence. Teachers today do not punish their students the way they used to back in their day. Parents are also encouraged to talk with the kids instead of producing the rod. Teens who commit certain crimes too are able to get away with a just few hours of counselling. So in a way, the phrase “spare the rod and spoil the child” is coming to pass.
Moreover, paper qualifications are becoming more and more important in the world today. Teens are being pushed way harder than their parents were when they were young. Also, stress is a word that is becoming more and more common. The lack of parental support in these ‘stressful’ times causes youths to stray and find other forms of console; like violent video games, or by linking up with ‘friends’ who accept them for who they are. These teens feel that they are able to relief their stress through the sense of victory and control portrayed by the games. The games then not only relief stress but also allow teens to smile at scenes of death and acts of bloodshed.
These violent images and ideas then embed themselves into the mind of the player, causing him his thoughts to become more aggressive and cruel. “Grand Theft Auto” is one such example of a violent game; in which the player can steal, manage vices, and gun down anyone he chooses, all without suffering any consequences. Many may become slaves to such games, allowing their minds to be encompassed with violence. Violence soon becomes a game; a sort of real time ‘Counter-Strike’, complete with life-like effects and surround sound.
Simply put, technology brings violence to our doorsteps, stress pushes youths towards violence, and finally the lack of guidance ad support from parents and peers allow the kids to pick up these violent habits.
In all, we can blame the increase of teen crime rates on society. Society has not given enough attention to young people; it has raised the standards and expects much more of teens; it has allowed youths more freedom and the ability to choose their own paths. Consequently some end up going down paths of crime and deceit.