Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2005 | 8:19 a.m.
Editor's note: More than 1,000 students from high schools throughout Southern Nevada participated in the 49th annual Sun Youth Forum on Nov. 23. The students were divided into groups to discuss a variety of topics. A spokesperson was chosen from each group to write a column about the students' findings. Today's columnist is Mojave High School student Julian Mitchell, who writes about his discussion group, "Law and Crime."
By Julian Mitchell
One topic that attracted much debate was the belief by some students that police officers are too tough on teen drivers. A group of teens claimed that police officers are too quick to characterize teens as irresponsible troublemakers who are at a higher risk of having an accident.
The opposing view was that law enforcement must become more unyielding. Many teens believed if the officers enforced the laws more on teen drivers, the probability of an accident would be closer to non-existent.
A contrary case was made, however, that more pressure causes teens to rebel against authority. So, when a teen is repeatedly told not to do something, it then becomes a must for them to do. If the police enforce laws at a higher level, some teens will find a way to break it.
A mutual agreement wasn't reached on the topic. I believe it is obvious that teens draw this attention from the police and the negative categorizing is brought upon by themselves. If the traffic accidents involving teens weren't reoccurring, and if drinking and peer pressure were not as dominant among teens, then I would genuinely support the other side's argument.
When Las Vegas is mentioned in conversation, most people automatically think of the Las Vegas Strip, which offers a variety of entertainment spots and fills people with enjoyment that can only be imagined. These glimpses of fun are reality to those who are of age. As for teens, we must leave the party before it starts. Strict rules and regulations are placed on teens who plan to step foot on the Strip.
The "Safe Strip" project is designed to protect teens from predators. But teens in the discussion group see it as a plan to kick younger residents out, and bring older tourists and residents in. In the midst of all of the restraints, the one that generated the most feedback was the curfew. The curfew on the Strip is 9 p.m. unless you are 18 or accompanied by an adult.
The group fiercely objected to this restriction, a sentiment that led to the statement that Las Vegas is an "Adult Town." Personally, I understand where they are coming from, because I think there is no question that teens are deprived of the fun and luxuries of the Strip.
It became clear that the teens saw the curfew as more of a plot to gain wealth and tourists by ridding the Strip of teens, rather than expelling predators. The group, including myself, agreed that if catching predators is the main focus, there should be drastically more emphasis on that instead of worrying about us teens.
Due to the strong disapproval, alternatives to the regulations were asked to be brought forth, options that would accommodate teens who want to use the Strip as a place of enjoyment. What received the approval of many members of the discussion group, including myself, was the idea of a later curfew, reasonable enough to allow teens to enjoy themselves, yet still not too late. Another interesting alternative was to keep open later the places that attract younger people, such as GameWorks, in order to please the younger residents and, at the same time, restrain them from the other attractions that are suitable for older residents.
The Strip is not the only thing luring teenagers in Las Vegas. Gang activity has been rising slightly, and before my discussion group could come up with a solution, it made sense to dissect what draws teens to this type of activity. Many thought that those who joined gangs were in search of higher status or superior power. The other belief that often came up was that teens feel like they have something to prove, which adds fuel to the fire of violent and criminal activity.
In the end, the group characterized teens that get involved in gangs as having a "primal urge," meaning they take pride in being intimidating, acting as a source of protection for others, always having to get their point across. There is no question that there is no possibility of completely hindering gangs and gang activity.
Nonetheless, it was suggested that the city create more outlets for teens, so they can get away from what goes on in the streets. Also brought up was the idea of creating a stronger neighborhood watch, and also using former gang members to be a source of emphatic inspiration for younger people.
Even though every distinct issue was not addressed, the effort put forth to create better ways of handling the subjects that were discussed will truly have an impact, if not immediately, then sometime in the near future. Since the teens of today are the leaders of tomorrow, it is important that everyone is aware of the problems we will soon face. After hearing many brilliant minds bring forth their opinions, it shows how powerful Nevada can be if a cooperative effort is orchestrated to make a difference.
The passion shown toward the topics that puzzle and trigger the minds of citizens and decision makers everyday truly expressed the strength that lies in the voices of us, Southern Nevada's younger residents.
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