Open up our daily newspaper and what do we read? It’s all about politicians, violence and catastrophes. Is this what we really want to read? The media plays a very important role in our lives. I would say we are greatly influenced by it. How we mould our youngsters is important as they will be tomorrow’s future generation.
The use of gadgets, especially smart phones and tablets, is increasingly growing among the youth. Our future generation is showing the true meaning of being ‘technologically savvy’. The obsession for phones is such, that most teenagers use their phones while in bed. Late night phone use directly contributes to poor sleep habits, which over time leads to decline in overall well-being and mental health. So the more you sit in bed and watch TV, play with your tablet, phone and have your phone beeping at 3 in the morning, all these things affect your sleep pattern and will give the person poor quality sleep. It’s a growing issue with teenagers, adolescents and the young. It’s going to affect their attitude, their cognitive skills, concentrations skills, and their moodiness during the day.
Beer is the world’s most widely consumed alcoholic beverage and it is consumed on all occasions. However, its negative effects on health are more prominent and not vigorously instilled in us. With time, addiction sets in and a teetotaler becomes if not heavy a regular consumer. It’s going to affect your memory. Drinking and driving leads to accidents. A lesson we are all aware, but we wait until we hit the bucket.
Depression and anxiety is a new kind of epidemic which has hit our era. Even the slightest amount of stress can trigger something as big as a heart failure. Unemployment is one of numerous reasons for stress and anxiety, especially in today’s times. It is a tough situation to live with and can really take a lot away from you and your life. As people, professions and jobs become increasingly competitive, and organizations demanding experience before granting a job, the youth are in a rat race with each other to secure employment. An easy way out of depression is to have a pet at home or to just spend some time listening to relaxing music.
Gambling addiction is complicated and it is personal. You get hooked onto gambling for various reasons like problems back home or at work. Once addicted to gambling it is difficult for one to change. Counseling is very important for such individuals. Family and friends also do play a very important role in the rehabilitation and during the recovery period of all types of addicts. If you have a loved one addicted to any vices, you will have to be patient and understanding. They need your help.
The youth of today is at crossroads unable to decide whether to follow in the footsteps of the angel or the devil. In these complex waters it is best that we be guided by our parents. The temptations today are by far and large, ranging from gambling to gadgets and from narcotics to alcohol. The youth who fall prey are the ones that feel insecure and do not receive love and affection from their parents. Hence, as parents it is our duty to give our children a listening ear. We as parents spend a life time creating wealth and spoiling our children by buying expensive gifts, so that our children can have a better life, but is this what they really want?
Often we are plagued by the questions of our existence and purpose in this cosmos. The youth of today should be more focused and strive to achieve a set goal, it will then lead them to draw their own conclusion and discover their purpose on this planet.
–by Capt. Jeffery G. Pereira
(Sector 3, Zone 3)