Do you think teenagers have it harder than you did ....

@bjc66bjc (6730)
United States
February 26, 2013 7:14pm CST
when you were growing...I think they actually do because there are so many more distractions than I had..it just so much going on these days, cell phone, Ipad, computers, tablets etc just to name a few.. My life was just not as complicated as teens today.. what about you???
5 people like this
24 responses
@mariaperalta (19073)
• Mexico
27 Feb 13
yes i do, as life is very different here from when I was growing up. it sure is in Mexico anyways.
1 person likes this
@bjc66bjc (6730)
• United States
27 Feb 13
hi maris, ts probably the same situtation every where notn only in Mexico...
@blackrusty (3519)
• Mexico
27 Feb 13
yes I had it much more easy then the kids today but back in the day I lived on a farm so I never had the choice that our youth have got today I went to work before school and I went to work after school I never had much of a real child hood
1 person likes this
@bjc66bjc (6730)
• United States
4 Mar 13
Hi thanks for responding..I say you did have a much different childhood as well as most of us...even tho it did not include working b/4 and after school....
• Mexico
4 Mar 13
ever person has a life that they had to live by the up bringing of the parents we are brought up as our parents want us and then we live by it
@celticeagle (157593)
• Boise, Idaho
27 Feb 13
In some ways it could be seen as harder. In others it is much easier. Harder because there are more kids, and yes,more distractions. Technology wise they have it much easier.
@celticeagle (157593)
• Boise, Idaho
27 Feb 13
But being teenager these kids could find jobs to do to make money to attain these gadgets if they wanted them bad enough. Parents shouldn't have to be the ones to get these things for them.
@bjc66bjc (6730)
• United States
27 Feb 13
thanks for responding..that techinical part of making life easier is one of the reason life could be worst because not every teenager's parents can afford to keep their children with every new gadget...Which put pressure on the teenager because they feel not up to par as their peers...
1 person likes this
@lelin1123 (15595)
• Puerto Rico
27 Feb 13
I certainly do and its a real shame they missed out on the lives that we had back in the 50's 60's and 70's. Everything is electronic, peer pressure more so with so much bullies going on. Its just not a life I would want for my kids. They missed all this by a hair Thank God. Now I worry about my three grandkids and what they have to look forward too and how much harder life will be for them in the future.
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@bjc66bjc (6730)
• United States
27 Feb 13
Yes lelin, with all the bullying going on it really a terribe situtation for the teens who's parent can not afford the expensive gadgets.. My grands are pretty up to date with the lastest but I an always concern with their safey because even adults are committing robberies for these gadgets...
@jenny1015 (13366)
• Philippines
27 Feb 13
I do think that no matter how many distractions there are but if the parents would be really vigilant in looking after their kids, then their kids will grow up being responsible and would have good grades in school. When I was a kid, the things that could be a distraction was the Nintendo Game and Watch, the Cartoons show and other toys that were "in". But my parents had strict rules about buying those things. We were not to expect expensive gifts if it was not our birthday or during Christmas. That is how I train my kids, too. Although the internet could be the biggest distraction, I just give them enough time to play then off to school work.
1 person likes this
@bjc66bjc (6730)
• United States
27 Feb 13
Yes you are right, but the pressure from their peers make their life so much more uncomfortable for some..Regardless of how great we think we are doing there is nothing like the pressure of that school bullying or teasing, if the child is different in anyway with or without the latest gadget... It nice you TRAINED your children in a different way...
1 person likes this
@jenny1015 (13366)
• Philippines
27 Feb 13
Yeah, I know what you mean. But I do think that the bullying ha always been present among kids. It's just that they are not that tough to be able to inflict such harm. And we should also not forget that some of the bullies behave like this is because of how they are treated at home by their parents. So whatever bad effect it does to a child, they somewhat look for an outlet to release their anger. I owe my children a lot. And apart from giving them a comfortable life, I would want them to be good, responsible adults. i wouldn't want to add more terrible kids in the society.
1 person likes this
@robspeakman (1700)
27 Feb 13
No I don't They have every resourse available to them - We had the library and memory to help with school work. I do seem to remember that parents were a lot more distant in my younger days. As a parent myself, I can say from experience that I am a lot closer and respectful of my children and their opinions.
1 person likes this
@bjc66bjc (6730)
• United States
27 Feb 13
Hi rob, thanks so much for your feedback... and expressing your opinion....
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
27 Feb 13
Each generation of teenagers throughout the ages have had it hard in some ways, it is called growing up.
1 person likes this
@cupkitties (7421)
• United States
27 Feb 13
Nope. If their parents allow them to have all that stuff, then they aren't as strict as mine were and there fore I count them much luckier. Though I'm sure there are those who had it much worse. They aren't the ones with all the fancy doodads and whatzits.
@bjc66bjc (6730)
• United States
27 Feb 13
thanks cup for responding with your opinion...
@WakeUpKitty (8694)
• Netherlands
1 Mar 13
No they don't. I had a terrible childhood, tried to survive, been beaten up and molested day and night. My own children (29, 27, 22, 9 and 7 years old) don't care about tablet, cellphones etc so it's all about how you raise your children. Mine are very happy, have a lot of self confidence plus are very creative.
@bjc66bjc (6730)
• United States
3 Mar 13
Thanks for responding...It hard to believe that a 29,27 and 22 year old dosen't have any interest in cell phones..But I am sure you know... Sorry you had such a terrible childhood/teenage years..and I am glad your children are very happy as well as many others who have access to all the hi tech...
@maurya83 (923)
• India
27 Feb 13
may be harder for some, may be easier for some depending upon how they use these gadgets and facilities..If they are mature enough, have proper guidance and serious for future and goals, these things are useful and helpful for them otherwise nothing more than distractions..
@bjc66bjc (6730)
• United States
27 Feb 13
Hi muary,not sure if todays teens are using these hi-tech gadgets as a helpful item of just having it makes them popular with their peers....
1 person likes this
• Greece
27 Feb 13
Teenagers have more distractions certainly, more freedom too and this complicates their lives. When I was a child there were less distractions. To get a book meant a walk to the library and that was not so much a distraction as half the morning gone. Friends could not ring whenever they wanted to have a chat, we had to visit one another but mostly we only met up with those living close by. Parents did not have the cars to run us backwards and forwards in those days. TV was not very interesting and neither did every family have one, so movies were once a week for the children at the Saturday morning cinema. Toys were not electronic and not so compelling as Ipads and computers. For most teenagers there was a youth club if they were lucky which provided entertainment and social outlet. Sometimes even some gym equipment. Our lives were simpler, the teenagers today would describe them as being rather 'boring'rather than easier.
1 person likes this
@bjc66bjc (6730)
• United States
4 Mar 13
hi Road, it sounds like you had an average childhood like the majority of the rest of us..I don't know about being mre boring than easier. for they don't know about teenage years back in our time unless they ae told and alot of them would probably give up our lives back then for their live today...its just the opinion of one mylotter with grandsons...
27 Feb 13
Yes, nowadays there is vast availability of hi-tech gadgets available for the teens ranging from PSP, mobile, to laptop.. etc. But, the more problematic issue is not about the advantages and disadvantages of those gadgets but the fact that these days teen are neither aware of nor concerned to be aware of the unimaginable advantages the gadgets they possess has. They are just hi-fied by the entertainment it provides.
1 person likes this
@bjc66bjc (6730)
• United States
27 Feb 13
yes panks, that is certainly another concern...thanks for responding...
@LoKoMoMe (511)
• Belize
27 Feb 13
I think teenager is my best and more easier life ever.. im a teenager now, I cant say what im doing in the future, but my siblings now are very busy on their life especially when get married. I think that its more complicated if I graduate in college because I need to have a stable job for me.. and I think on that time maybe no more computer days..
@bjc66bjc (6730)
• United States
27 Feb 13
Ho loko, I appreciate your response, perhaps when you become an adult you can appreciate this post on a different level...time will certainly tell...
@LoKoMoMe (511)
• Belize
27 Feb 13
I think so.. but not sure :)
• Indonesia
27 Feb 13
basically I agree with you about the complicated technology. But they grow up in a day when everything's so much easier and they've adapted it well. the people like us who grown up in a day without advanced technology like today will think that they had a hard time today
@bjc66bjc (6730)
• United States
27 Feb 13
I think its harder for them because the hi-tech can be such a destraction from learning. It can also cause problems for\ those teens whos parents could not afford to purchase the items because of the price and we know that the prices of these hi0 tech items are expensive...nd that causes problem with teens stealing these items,,
@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
27 Feb 13
I blame technology, the media and society that has made life for teenagers so much more difficult, I personally would HATE to be a teenager again. I was a teenager in the 80s before the internet took over and fashion wasn't such an issue as it is today.
@bjc66bjc (6730)
• United States
27 Feb 13
hi wolfie, you might be correct...thanks for responding.
@maximax8 (31055)
• United Kingdom
27 Feb 13
In my teenager years my family had a television and a video. I didn't try out a computer until I was aged 16 years old at further education college. I put all my fingers down on it like it was a type writer. Now the teenagers have mobile phones, Internet, laptops, i pads, tablets and more. They have school or further education to follow. Therefore they must be careful how much time they have on their modern technology. They must remember to complete their home work. They might have a boyfriend or a girlfriend and be in the days of young love. There are university fees for them to pay. They are few jobs around to apply for. Prices are high. I feel sorry for teenagers now. I had cheap traveling and bought my cottage at 19 years old. Now travel is more expensive. It would be hard for most 19 year old people to buy a home so young. I think it is a shame unemployment numbers are high. Teenagers are not sure they will have a bright future these days.
@bjc66bjc (6730)
• United States
27 Feb 13
thanks maximax, you commented on a lot of issues and most of them I say is spot on...thanks for being so expressive..
@mikeley (318)
27 Feb 13
I think in terms of possessions kids have a lot more than what some of us had, When i was 8 all I had was an old black and white tv which I thought was awesome! :D As in terms of image, I think kids and teens have a lot of pressure from their peers, like how they dress,act,and other social interactions and what's deemed as "cool" in society.
@bjc66bjc (6730)
• United States
27 Feb 13
thanks for responding, I appreciate you feedback..
@KOSTAS499 (1624)
• Greece
27 Feb 13
I think they have a better life, but they burn more brain cells and they do not social skills.
@bjc66bjc (6730)
• United States
27 Feb 13
Hi Kostas, I appreciate your feedback even tho I have to disagree with you....thanks for responding...
• Canada
27 Feb 13
Oh yes I sure do. I really appreciate anyone who is a teenager this day and age. The reason I say this is because of all the technology you have to learn, I think there is more bulleying than when I was a teenager, and I find things were just more carefree when I was younger. I also find your generation has to grow up quicker you all seem to be more mature (which of course is a positive thing). I remember my parents generation thought the same about when I was a teenager, so I think that times are always going to change but I have a lot of respect for our younger people today!
@bjc66bjc (6730)
• United States
27 Feb 13
Hi Lauren, I agree with you, I think most teenagers deserves the utmost respect for keeping it together in this rough old world... thanks so much for responding...
• India
27 Feb 13
ya... even I feel most of the time to start my childhood days again... like playing with friends,roaming, no tensions,no responsibilities ,etc,... hope i will my best in future tooo...i mean for best memories...
@bjc66bjc (6730)
• United States
27 Feb 13
Thanks for your feedback....