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In other words, is it a reasonable defense to say, "Oh, they are just being a teenager."
Do teenagers, in general make many errors in logic and judgment? Is that just "normal?"
I know there will be teenagers who will say they are perfectly rational.
I am just trying to figure out whether or not to give a teenager a break for bad behavior or if they should be held accountable the way an adult would be held accountable . . .
In other words, is it a reasonable defense to say, "Oh, they are just being a teenager."
Do teenagers, in general make many errors in logic and judgment? Is that just "normal?"
I know there will be teenagers who will say they are perfectly rational.
I am just trying to figure out whether or not to give a teenager a break for bad behavior or if they should be held accountable the way an adult would be held accountable . . .
No passes. They should appologize for any lapses in judgement and learn from their mistakes. They should make restitution where possible.
No you shouldn't give teens a break for bad behavior. They need structure and discipline, and a wise authority or role model to give it to them. Of course they should be held accountable. That's what instills a strong sense of responsibility in them when they understand the reality of action and consequence. Whether they should be held by the same degree as full grown adults, that would depend on their age. Surely a 17 year-old knows just as much what's right from wrong as an 18 year-old.
To an extent. There are some things that are 'stupid teenager' behaviors like, say, mooning the principal. Then there are things like murder and rape which some apologists think are committed without recognition of the consequences of those actions
Frankly when I was 15 I knew it was bad to kill and rape and generally be evil. Even if you grew up around a crime-ridden environment you'd have to know it was bad from the way people committing those crimes would usually end up riding in a squad car to prison.
I think that teenagers are quite rational at this age, so they shouldn't get any pass or break. If they're really unsure about something, it's best to ask their parents or an adult in whom they trust.
What about being totally self-centered and selfish - normal for the age or not?
I know when I was 17, I was totally self-absorbed and probably not capable of truly thinking about others . . .
I think it all depends upon how they were raised. There's a certain normalcy in being self-absorbed at that age - it's a "phase that they're going through". But I also don't think that would be a valid excuse for inappropriate behavior.
Being a teen is tough, no matter what generation you grow up in.
The brain of a human doesn't fully develop until approximately 25-30. The frontal lobes, in which executive functions are attributes, is the last part of the brain to develop. Executive functions includes planning, organization, impulse control, and more. When this is considered, an adolescent has the capacity to think, reason, and carry out activities, but their course in doing the same may be erratic. Having said this, it's no excuse for poor behavior. Teens should be encouraged to slow down, consider all options, make a reasoned choice, and accept the benefits of the same. If it is a good choice, there will be positive benefits. If it is a bad choice, they should reap the consequences. There should be no break in being a teen, just the benefit of consequences for good or bad behavior and the thought that you can always do it better again. That thought should carry any human into maturity.
I expect less from teens than I do from adults so I guess you can say I am moremforgiving when it comes to things like social etiquette and maturity. Often a 19 year may say something on this very forum that is ridiculous, but I'll take that into consideration because you have to consider the source and make certain allowances. I don't expect a teen to share the same wisdom and judgment as an40 year old.
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