What is going on with todays youth???

[NTDreams]

http://www.thebostonchannel.com/mul...teen_s_photo_sent_to_students_cell_phones.htm

What would ever posses you to do this? Do parents not know that they can see when their children are texting simply by checking the phone bill? I would be outraged if I saw text after text during the school day.

 

[Hercules10]

What those dummies don't realize is that now they have child porn on their phones. Teen-ager facing the possibility of being labeled a sex offender over a stupid picture they had nothing to do with.

 

[disney junky]

Sadly, this is happening all over the country. Try to enforce cell phone policies in school and the parents are all over you. I ask too, what are these kids thinking. A nearby school here in central PA had the same thing with a couple of kids, one 14 and one 15. Now they are going to bring in "experts" to talk to the kids about appropriate cell phone use. What the heck! Wonder what that will cost? In so many of these cases, there is no shame, and many parents enable the kids to be and do whatever they want, but when things go bad, it's someone else's fault.

Our school has a three strike policy. The first time your phone is taken and given back at the end of the day. The second time, the parent must come in, and the third time it is taken until the end of the year. The parents and students sign the policy, stating that they understand and will abide by it.

We see more parents pleading for their kids phones back than we see parents in questioning us about their grades. Then, more often then not, the parents just get them another phone. Can't say where we're headed but it's not good. Kids text in their pockets, in the lavs, in their purses, in their baggy pants, and it's epidemic. Parents text their kids at school, even knowing they aren't supposed to.

 

[NTDreams]

UGh THATS INSANE. Luckily I don't have to deal with that aspect at school. I just don't understand why parent's aren't asking their kids, Who are you talking to while you are in class? Or better CUT their ability to text. I understand the need for a cell phone. I just don't understand why the parents aren't more diligently looking into what their child is doing throughout the school day.

 

[troobabiee7]

It's not just today's youth, it's the youth of every generation. Kids will always do stupid things, but now they just have more ways to easily spread their stupidity around the world I'm only 21 and my brother's 20 but we've never done anything like this, and neither have my cousins. Thankfully we were taught to have respect for ourselves and others, and we know better than to completely humiliate ourselves like that! After the Miley/Vanessa/Paris photo scandals you'd think they'd learn! But there are also a lot of not-too-bright little girls out there who think it's cool so they get involved in messes like these on purpose

 

[mamacatnv]

There are no taboo's when it comes to sexual displays. Teens and young adults are very uninhibited. Hummmm what have they been viewing on TV, computers, store ads etc. for their entire lives

In my day we had polaroids and we passed notes, now we take pictures and text with cell phones. Our teachers hated the note passing, they threatened, they called parents and we were punished.......didn't stop us, we still passed notes

What has changed IMO is that the parents come to the rescue instead of letting the kids suffer the consequences of their actions.

troobabiee7 - well said

 

[NotUrsula]

For starters, your avg. kid doesn't need a phone that can handle photos. If you keep them on a text-only model, this is one source that they won't have. It won't keep someone from taking a photo and sending it around via computer, but at least that takes a bit longer and requires more effort.

I normally don't keep my phone on while I'm at work, but a few months ago I was waiting for a call from a physician's office and kept it on. I got a text message but being at work didn't bother to look at it immediately because I knew that wasn't the call I was waiting on. Twenty minutes later I got a regular voice call. When I answered a male voice purred, "Well, what do you think?" I knew it wasn't DH's voice, and he doesn't call my cell at work, so I knew it was a wrong number, and I said so.

You should have HEARD the panic in the guy's voice! The conversation went like this: "OMG, do you have a camera phone?" Yes, I say. "Did you receive a text message a little while ago?" Yes. "OMG, I'm SO sorry. I got this number from a girl in a bar last night -- guess that wasn't you, huh?" No. "OMG, PLEASE just erase that message, OK?" By this time I am DYING to burst out laughing, but I controlled myself; the idiot deserved to think I had seen the photo.

 

[NTDreams]

For starters, your avg. kid doesn't need a phone that can handle photos. If you keep them on a text-only model, this is one source that they won't have. It won't keep someone from taking a photo and sending it around via computer, but at least that takes a bit longer and requires more effort.

I normally don't keep my phone on while I'm at work, but a few months ago I was waiting for a call from a physician's office and kept it on. I got a text message but being at work didn't bother to look at it immediately because I knew that wasn't the call I was waiting on. Twenty minutes later I got a regular voice call. When I answered a male voice purred, "Well, what do you think?" I knew it wasn't DH's voice, and he doesn't call my cell at work, so I knew it was a wrong number, and I said so.

You should have HEARD the panic in the guy's voice! The conversation went like this: "OMG, do you have a camera phone?" Yes, I say. "Did you receive a text message a little while ago?" Yes. "OMG, I'm SO sorry. I got this number from a girl in a bar last night -- guess that wasn't you, huh?" No. "OMG, PLEASE just erase that message, OK?" By this time I am DYING to burst out laughing, but I controlled myself; the idiot deserved to think I had seen the photo.

Now that is hilarious!

 

[bigmerle1966]

By this time I am DYING to burst out laughing, but I controlled myself; the idiot deserved to think I had seen the photo.

Did you look at it?


My BFF goes in and checks on her kids texting and phone usage all the time. She has the ability to take away their minutes and texting ability and has!

 

[Piecey]

For starters, your avg. kid doesn't need a phone that can handle photos. If you keep them on a text-only model, this is one source that they won't have. It won't keep someone from taking a photo and sending it around via computer, but at least that takes a bit longer and requires more effort.

I'm pretty close with my Assistant Manager at work and we were talking about the cell phones she got her girls for Christmas (12 and 13)

Now, Asst. Manager texts like crazy and she was talking about her bill and I asked about the girls text usage.

Smartest thing I've ever heard: I specifically told the cell phone company these phones were NOT to allow text messaging, or there was to be no plan.

They've got the phones, they call when they get on the bus, when they get to their house (they live in the country so it's like a 1/2 mile walk down a dirt road from bus to house) and etc.. but they don't get to text!

 

[FSUDisneyGirl]

Today's youth? I think it's that one girl who has the big problem! Unfortunately, gossip spreads, especially among kids that age...so the picture spread, too. With technology like phones, they can spread gossip faster than ever before!

 

[PatsGirl]

IMHO it's not today's youth, it's todays parents and their lack of parenting. There was an incident locally just last week where a picture of a 12-year old female exposing one breast and pulling her skirt up was texted to many boys in the middle school. They are currently trying to decide whether to press charges against these boys. Heellloooo.... what about the girl who posed?

I don't know what to do about this new technology and how to get a handle on it but I do know that if my 12 year old daughter (and I do have one that age ) felt it necessary to show skin to get attention or didn't see why it might be wrong, my problems are bigger than a cellphone. DD is begging for a cellphone and I can tell you right now that if she succeeds in talking her Dad into it I'll be checking that baby all the time much like I do the computer. I don't know if she is just modest but I really can't see her or any (not one of them) friends exposing themselves for a text picture, not this year anyways. Moms, where are you????? We need to teach these girls to respect their bodies and themselves!

As for the boys, every tween/teen boy I know would enjoy getting this picture texted to him -- I think it is human nature just like Playboy mags were in the 60s/70s/80s. If they decide to press charges against these boys, they could be labeled "sex offenders" for the rest of their lives -- it's just wrong!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Most of "today's youth" are not sending explicit naked photos.

Just because the news glamorizes the idiots to get a story does not make "something going on".

Technology is just another tool in today's century. You are going to have kids that do stupid things. That never changes.

 

[MerMom60_94]

ITA that it is not just today's youth - our generation and the generations before did a lot of the same type thing but they used different mediums. Just as with previous generations, there are some kids who are troubled and some who do ok. You can't always even tell by the way they dress or present themselves. I know kids who look rather goth but are good kids and I know kids who appear to be clean cut who I wouldn't trust on anything. Like the PP stated, there is a change in parenting and attitudes. Any of these kids who are doing this are crying for attention and obviously using a poor means of getting it. It's sad. In any case, as I tell my friend all the time, our daughters are only 14. If somebody's child in their school makes a mistake I am not about to judge that parent or spread nasty rumors about that child. Parents who do that could be eating crow before this is done. There is nothing to say their child won't make some pretty bad mistakes between here and adulthood and judging one another does nothing for anyone. Furthermore, our children aren't adults yet. Who are we to say we are superior parents? We haven't finished raising our children yet to see the end results. Only when I see how my daughter has turned out as an adult can I say whether I am a good parent.

 

[joviroxx]

My kids are 11 and 9. I guess I just don't get why kids need cellphones of their own. I realize pay phones aren't available but I guess I just don't get it. My oldest keeps asking me for a phone. He's at school all day (office phone) and whne he's not with me, he's with a friends parent (they have phones). When he does seem to be in a situation where he might need one, i have a simple prepaid for him to use. At home, they can use mine or the landline.

I just think we keep giving our kids stuff that they just aren't ready to be responsible enough to handle them.. I realize its just my opinion, but I honestly (no slam intended to anyone) why they need a phone all the time with them.

 

[pls5286]

My son, 12, started middle school this year, and is in several different after school activities that may be cancelled due to weather so he takes his cell phone to school. We have Verizon, and they have a feature where parents can go in and set up theri kids phones so that during certain hours they can only call or text or recieve calls from people on their calling plan. I have that little jewel on DS's phone. He is supposed to have it off, but in the event he doesen't, no calls go thru and he can only call or text me during the school day.

 

[Disney Doll]

What is wrong with today's youth? Well, let's see...

~They have never been disappointed in their young lives. They all made the team, they all got a trophy, they are all special little snowflakes.

~When they were first starting school and got into trouble, Helicopter Mama Bear went to the school with guns blazing to tell the school how wrong they were if they thought that her special little snowflake could possibly do anything bad.

~Their role models stink...Vanessa Hudgens (naked photos), Miley Cyrus (suggestive photos), Gangsta rappers ('nuff said)...the list could go on and on.

~They generally get everything they want. Pray tell, why does a 14 year old need a cell phone that does anything other than make and receive calls in the event of an emergency?

~Mom and Dad want to be their friend rather than their parent.

~The path has been prepared for the child, the child hasn't been prepared for the path.

 

[tinkntraining]

Most of "today's youth" are not sending explicit naked photos.

Just because the news glamorizes the idiots to get a story does not make "something going on".

Technology is just another tool in today's century. You are going to have kids that do stupid things. That never changes.

ITA!
I think it's a little harsh to lump an entire population into a negative group because of a few kids with little or no parental care or concern.

My girls are 13 and 14 and neither has a cell phone yet. They've WANTED one for years (everytime one of their friends get one) but they haven't NEEDED one yet. On the rare occassion when they need to contact me, I let them borrow my cellphone. Works fine! But, DD14 is starting field hockey in the spring, which means tons of practices and games and walking to and from the high school. So, now, she qualifies for "I NEED a phone". We will not have a texting plan, and she's well aware of that. I will get her a camera phone, but she knows what's acceptable and what's not. Heck, she won't even get undressed in front of her sister, I highly doubt she'd send naked pictures to someone else! And besides, at some point, parents have to sit back and say, "I've done all I can to teach my child values...now I have to trust that they will do the right thing". And cross our fingers and hope.

So - for 5 years, our family of 5 has managed to get by with one cellphone (GASP) Am I cheap? Possibly. But, I think I'm more of the mindset that I don't need to give my kids everything they WANT because let's face it, the world isn't handed to you on a silver platter. I want my kids to realize the difference between "Wants" and "Needs".

And, just for the record, I think the majority of today's youth are wonderful, caring kids doing the best they can to navigate this crazy thing called "life".

 

[xoprincessmomxo]

~Mom and Dad want to be their friend rather than their parent.

I think this is a common problem. Parents aren't doing their jobs. Heck, a lot of the parents think their the teenagers, too. Parents need a big wake up call to start being, well...parents!

 

[Disney1fan2002]

Cell phones are not allowed in my son's middle school. I don't see any uproars from parents. The kids are allowed to have the cells phones, but not in class. I see them talking on them after school hours. DS tells me they are not allowed during school hours.

How hard is it to enforce this? Teachers have been enforcing gum chewing for 100 years. Why can't they control cell phone use?