Culture Shock

"Be home by dinner!" Does this sound familiar? It was a common rule in the seventies for many American households. A teenager would leave the house and the parents would have no idea where they were or what they were doing until they came home for supper. But soon, this rule was shifted.

In the nineties, a child would no longer be able to roam the streets. In fact, it was soon scorned upon by neighbors to see a teenager out on the street without parental supervision. As the public became more aware of the crime in their neighborhoods the rule was dropped and a new rule put in.

"No leaving the house by yourself and without me knowing where you're going!" This rule is known by all the children in the twenty-first century. Today, children are kept on a tight leash and are not allowed to roam out of sight for fear of what may lie around the next corner. This unfortunate belief is because as time progressed and money was spent by the government, houses for the mentally unstable were closed and all of the people who lived there were turned out onto the streets. Now, those people roam the streets and can't afford their medications. They are forced to carry objects for protection, sell drugs, or steal and pawn to get money to survive. As a result of it all, the crime rates have increased.

The sudden change of what was thought to be safe became a lifestyle for everyone. It has been the subject of fights between parents and children for many years and probably will be for many years to come. But the question still stands, should children be trusted to take care of themselves on the street and is there any place safe enough to roam? The answer is yes and no. If teenagers are armed with knowledge about drugs, alcohol, homeless, and strangers, then the common sense needed to understand what to do in the situation is known. But the information should not stop there, children should know about every danger and risk to be able to face the streets. But a companion on the streets such as a big dog or another friend always adds the security to be confident and allows the parent to relax as well.

The freedom to roam is a skill and a privilege. If students are forced to stay at home they will never gain the knowledge needed to safely face the streets when their older. Teenagers will plan ways to get out of the house. Most of which the parents won't like. So letting the student learn how to be safe when their young allows for a safer student and a happier family.
~classic_rock311