Advice for teenagers

THE popular saying that love is blind may be problematic. While love and lust share similar characteristics, only a few teenagers can make distinctions between the two.

Recently, a 12-year-old girl posted this statement on the social media: “I am done with dating.” It was so surprising. What do children below 18 years know about love? They should be discouraged from  dating.

Most teenagers have become trapped in a vicious cycle because of false beliefs about  love. Maturity is key in relationships, but  that is a factor missing in the average teenager.

Most lack knowledge of right and wrong, which leads to wrong activities and decisions. Nowadays, teens are surrounded by expensive gadgets  which can facilitate immoral practices.

A 15-year-old girl who is in a “serious, committed relationship”, hoping to be courted before age 20 is likely to suffer the emotional bitterness that surfaces in relationships.

There are areas where teens act like adults and are treated like models with a lot of paparazzi. But they fail to understand that dating is a dreadful activity to involve in at tender age.

A large proportion of teens have become entangled in the great responsibilities of family life, having children at a time in their lives when they ought to be seeking quality education.

There is more to love than romance. Friendly relationships should be encouraged among teenagers, simply because friendship is the bedrock of every relationship.

In conclusion, waiting for the right time makes everything perfect. Parents and guardians should encourage teenagers to concentrate on their studies in order to secure a better future.