Teenagers' Morality
Influences on teenagers’ morality
Moral decisions are an important aspect of the growth and development of teenagers. There are many factors that influence a young person’s decisions; the biggest factor may be a teenager’s parents. Today’s parents are moving away from the old adage “do as I say, not as I do,” as they realize that their actions and behavior may be a bigger influence on their children than previously thought. 1. Sex and Teen Pregnancy * The rate of teen pregnancy is extremely high in the United States, and it is one of the highest in the Western world. Communication between parent and child on the subject of sex may delay early sexual activity in teenagers. Many parents will not have this discussion, however. They may believe that their child is too young for sex, or they may be uncomfortable with discussing the subject of sex. Parents may also believe that talking to their teen about sex will “give them the idea.” Parents must confront their own attitudes about sex before facing the issue head-on with their teen. They must be clear about their expectations but must also know how they will handle the situation if the child doesn’t follow their rules.
Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco Use * The bottom line is that parents who use alcohol, drugs or tobacco are more likely to have children who use these substances. Parents must set clear expectations for their kids about the usage of these substances and talk about it often during their pre-teen and teenage years. And parents will likely be more successful if they follow their own advice.
Violence
* It is well-known that when children are abused by their parents or witness abuse of someone in their family, they are more likely to grow up to be abusers themselves. Parents must set a good example when dealing with feelings of anger, frustration and pain — and how to do it without getting physical.
Teenagers are at risk for violence because of many reasons. Hormonal changes mental
Moral decisions are an important aspect of the growth and development of teenagers. There are many factors that influence a young person’s decisions; the biggest factor may be a teenager’s parents. Today’s parents are moving away from the old adage “do as I say, not as I do,” as they realize that their actions and behavior may be a bigger influence on their children than previously thought. 1. Sex and Teen Pregnancy * The rate of teen pregnancy is extremely high in the United States, and it is one of the highest in the Western world. Communication between parent and child on the subject of sex may delay early sexual activity in teenagers. Many parents will not have this discussion, however. They may believe that their child is too young for sex, or they may be uncomfortable with discussing the subject of sex. Parents may also believe that talking to their teen about sex will “give them the idea.” Parents must confront their own attitudes about sex before facing the issue head-on with their teen. They must be clear about their expectations but must also know how they will handle the situation if the child doesn’t follow their rules.
Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco Use * The bottom line is that parents who use alcohol, drugs or tobacco are more likely to have children who use these substances. Parents must set clear expectations for their kids about the usage of these substances and talk about it often during their pre-teen and teenage years. And parents will likely be more successful if they follow their own advice.
Violence
* It is well-known that when children are abused by their parents or witness abuse of someone in their family, they are more likely to grow up to be abusers themselves. Parents must set a good example when dealing with feelings of anger, frustration and pain — and how to do it without getting physical.
Teenagers are at risk for violence because of many reasons. Hormonal changes mental