Where I Stand: Dyanna Whitaker - Wide range of issues debated during Youth Forum’s ‘Teen Topics’

Friday, Dec. 26, 1997 | 10:17 a.m.

AT THE SUN Youth Forum held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the panel "Teen Topics" addressed problems facing teens in different areas of their lives, such as drug and alcohol abuse, dating and going steady, family relations and friendship.

The panel assembled students from all over the valley with different backgrounds and social status, allowing every side to be discussed. At times, it became rather tedious; as one student remarked, "We're just beating a dead horse. Let's move on." But everyone was anxious to add to the discussion, to share their insight with fellow peers who may or may not feel the same. It gave them the opportunity to voice their opinions about the situations affecting their lives and their surroundings.

When youths were asked, "Why do teenagers take drugs and drink?" the comments seemed to fit into two categories: those who saw it as a real problem and those who felt it was a matter over-stressed in importance. Drugs were not emphasized at this point, but the question of when alcohol becomes wrong sparked further debate. Many said that it is a way to socialize and "fit in." They said as long as it was "just a little bit," on occasion, there was nothing wrong with it, and it should be expected from "curious" teenagers.

Others felt that alcoholism started with "that first drink" and should be avoided entirely. Some reasons given as to why teenagers start were parents' examples, experimentation and the lack of anything else to do. Peer pressure, although mentioned, was not strongly supported as a cause for drinking and the use of drugs.

The effectiveness of anti-drug programs and the legalization of drugs were the next subjects for debate. Some said that having the anti-drug programs in elementary schools is a good idea, but should continue into high schools, where students could learn about drugs and their effects on the body. The majority of the panel felt that rehabilitation for drugs and alcohol only works when the person is in the right frame of mind to change. If someone is forced into rehabilitation, success is unlikely.

During the heated discussion on legalizing drugs, many were unable to be heard. Some said drug legalization was the answer to minors using drugs, by enacting an age limit, as of that with alcohol.

The use of marijuana to treat cancer patients and control over the substance given to the government was brought up. In counteraction, it was argued although alcohol consumption has an age limit, there are still young people able to get it, and the government should continue to keep drugs illegal or it would lose the control it has.

Despite these arguments, it was agreed that the problem is a large one, with drugs being obtained from anywhere, even at school and the home. Education about these problems and the strengthening of the home are effective prevention methods for drug use and alcoholism.

The issue of date rape followed, as students discussed how it could be prevented. Group dating, making sure you know the person well and respect for one another were given as steps to prevention. It was agreed that the two persons involved needed to communicate with each other so each would understand how the other felt on certain subjects. Dress came into discussion, as many believed that a person should dress appropriately and wear modest clothing. In contrast, it was said the way a person dressed should not justify bad treatment by a date or be an excuse for date rape.

"No means no, whether it's the guy or girl saying it," was the point of the divided opinions, with an agreement that whoever is protesting needs to express it strongly, to make sure that their point is clear.

The subject of date rape brings up the issue of unwanted pregnancy and if abortion should be an option. As abortion is an extremely controversial topic, the room became animated with an almost equal division. It was said it was the "woman's choice," and "if the baby isn't wanted or loved, why bring it into such an environment?" Those against said, "it is no longer just one body involved; now it's two."

Once the choice was made to have sex, the consequences have to be dealt with. Adoption was an alternative, to provide the baby a loving family environment. Those unsure either way allowed abortion for certain circumstances, such as rape or a threat to the mother if pregnancy was carried to term. Regarding prevention, better sex education and the availability of condoms in schools were introduced. However, many felt that this would give students the wrong message and abstinence should be the focus of education.

Many agreed that family life is a large factor in developing an individual's personality and character. The deterioration of family values and a good home environment were cited as the starting points for most problems in our country. Students expressed that communication, respect and trust were essential to make family relations work. Everyone agreed that a "perfect family" did not exist, and there were problems in all households. But "no matter what circumstances a person is in, it is their responsibility to excel and be the best that they can."

Many panelists believed that more abuse hotlines should be available and that a friend or loved one should report cases of abuse to the police. Religion in the family was considered destructive as well as productive. Some said that religious beliefs divide family members who do not agree, while others asserted that religion helped to unify and keep a family together. It was decided that a family should respect one another's beliefs and still give support.

As the discussion on family continued, the controversy of gay and lesbian couples parenting a child was opened. The majority felt that gay and lesbian couples were more loving and would be just as good, or even better, parents than heterosexuals. A small group argued that such a stereotype of who was more loving could not be stated as fact, and that gay and lesbian parenthood gave children the wrong impression of the true order of things, stating, "It takes a man and a woman to create life." As this was one of the more controversial subjects discussed, many jumped in and voiced their opinions that it shouldn't matter what the sexual preference is, as long as the child is loved and well provided for. After extensive debate on the subject, the panel moved to the issues of friends and their influences.

With all the different opinions, the subject of friendship united the whole group as suggestions on how to make, keep and help friends were shared. It was decided that true friendship was unselfish and, to make friends, it was necessary to be a friend first. One student remarked, "Stop worrying about what people can give you, and worry about what you can give people."

When the problem of suicide was addressed, many personal stories of friends in trouble were shared. After mulling over many ideas, the simple act of being there for someone, making sure they know someone cares, was the solution.

The day drew to an end while the students, who had spent more than three hours together, chatted and continued debates. The "Teen Topics" panel had given them an excellent opportunity to express where they stand on issues concerning their life and what should be done about it. Although what was said will probably not change the world, it left those who participated with the feeling that they had accomplished something worthwhile.

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