Commentary: Youths get ready to make a difference

Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2006 | 7 a.m.

Editors note: More than 800 students from high schools throughout Southern Nevada participated in the 51st annual Sun Youth Forum on Nov. 21. 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. Kourtney Welte of Centennial High School writes about issues covered by her group.

One question that created an interesting discussion was this: Are the feelings and opinions of teenagers taken seriously by adults? Most of the group agreed that teenagers these days are not taken seriously. They are considered to be lazy, immature and single-minded.

One student related that in order for us to show that we are responsible, adults need to trust us, give us responsibility, and let us prove ourselves to them. I disagreed with that comment and said, "We need to take initiative. If we take a stand, and show that we are responsible, we will be able to earn their trust and will therefore be taken more seriously."

After more deliberation and discussion, we came to the conclusion that we are a very stubborn generation. But with this stubbornness comes determination, persistence and an unfaltering resolve to do what we believe is right. In order to change the way adults perceive us, we must change ourselves, and show our inner capabilities.

Another issue that was brought up was the fact that there is a lack of fun and safe activities around the Las Vegas Valley for teens to participate in. Some students believed that this town is surrounded by casinos and strip clubs, and its main interest is centered on tourism and the immoral activities that it promotes.

One could say that this city has forgotten about the youth. For example, water and amusement parks such as Wet 'n Wild and Scandia have been closed, further limiting the wholesome activities for youth in the valley. Students agreed that more money should be allocated to build teen clubs, which would provide more opportunities for safe and responsible fun.

But one student questioned why we should even be entitled to a teen club when we can't even respect the rules and have safe house parties. Many agreed with this statement and said that we should stop complaining and start being creative in order to make our own wholesome fun.

One topic that many students felt very passionate about was the increasing suicide rates for teenagers in our valley. Several students felt close to this topic, in that they had friends and even they themselves had felt so pressured in their lives that they had contemplated suicide.

We decided that there are many reasons why suicide has become an increasing epidemic - not just one factor can be pinpointed. Some of the reasons that can cause a teenager to "break down" are unsupportive parents, schools coming down too hard, the pressure to be perfect, a lack of friends, peer pressure and the way that the media rationalize it. We also agreed that it is not our place to judge, and if a person can prevent a suicide, it is his or her responsibility to do that and make a difference.

The most heated discussion centered on this question: Should sex education classes teach abstinence-only programs, or go beyond to include birth control?

One person brought up the fact that we should teach abstinence only, because if other options are given, it only justifies them having those physical relations.

In contrast, one student suggested that abstinence only is a good idea, but it is not realistic. Sexuality is a part of human beings, and it is a subject that must be taught at the high school level. Even if an adolescent believes in abstinence and is not planning on having premarital sex, he or she will need to be educated eventually.

Some ideas that would improve sex education would be to have a yearlong class that focuses not only on the ways to avoid any sexual situation but also the consequences that come along with it.

After my experience at the Sun Youth Forum, I can assure everyone that Nevada's future is in good hands. We teens are the current leaders of our schools and the future leaders of our community. We look forward to making a difference when our time comes, changing Nevada for the better.

At this point, I'm still uncertain where my life may take me. But one thing that is certain is whether I become a politician, news broadcaster, doctor or a respected stay-at-home mother, I will never forget my experience at the Sun Youth Forum and the importance of taking a stand. I encourage all Nevada residents, both teenagers and adults, to take a stand in our community and strive to make a difference.