The Challenge
Young people are our future decision makers, business people, parents, carers, teachers, farmers etc. Investing in their wellbeing is an investment in the future of society. There are many ideas and theories as to why many young people are experiencing problems, what these problems are and how we can intervene; a debate well beyond the scope of this document. Here we will just consider briefly a few areas where young people are becoming prepared for the challenges society will be facing as they take on their responsibilities as adults, looking at issues pertinent to energy descent.
Teenagers frequently get a bad press. There are increasing numbers of stories about disconnected youth, gang cultures and terrible stabbings. Local youth are the first to get the blame for any graffiti, bad language, noise and drinking on the street. There is some sense that these are just city problems, but many rural towns and villages are equally concerned about teenager behaviour. In contrast research shows that around half of young people actually do great work in their communities by volunteering during their teenage years, helping out in places such as sports clubs, community centres and old peoples’ homes.
If we want our young people to feel valued and support their development into responsible, able and confident young citizens we must invest our time in them as parents, extended family and communities doing ordinary things together; talking, having family meals, sharing skills in gardening and cooking and playing and teaching by good example. In the last 5 decades we have moved from a society where latchkey kids were a minority; pre-1960’s children of were loosely supervised, doing a few chores then going out to play in the streets or up the park for a few hours and returning when they were hungry; providing plenty of opportunity for adventures while building mutual trust and resourcefulness. To manage parenting in today’s world with a demanding job and the stresses of modern life, frequently squeezes out time for listening for children and staying tuned into their needs. In 2009, children who return after school to a parent at home are in the minority.
Totnes and District offers many positive opportunities for young people growing up in the area, however there are insufficient facilities providing social meeting places for young people aged 12 – 19. Such facilities bring young people together outside of school and can be used to broaden their interests, support their social and personal development, cultivate their interest in community activities, volunteering, conservation work and plan activities together.
skater (© Richard Hodgson)
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