Findings Of Youth Conference

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31835, 13 November 1968, Page 3

Findings Of Youth Conference

Teen-agers, in general, expect their parents to provide an example but do not like to be dictated to on standards of behaviour. They dislike an authoritarian attitude and find standards without explanation unacceptable.

This was one of the findings from a youth conference on family life, held in Christchurch at the end of September and attended by 170 representatives of schools and youth organisations from throughout Canterbury.

The conference was arranged by a combined committee from the Family Life Education Council and the Canterbury Youth Council The convener of the committee (Miss N. D. Clark) summarised the findings at a

meeting of the Family Life Education Council this week. After adult discussions on the same subjects, the findings will be used in a guide to behaviour for a basis of discussion between teen-agers and their parents, on family and social matters. It will be printed next year. At the youth conference, fifteen groups discussed the role of the young person in the family, in social life, in the community and the world, and in marriage. Miss Clark said.

They agreed that, up to about 15 years of age, young people should be expected to share with their parents and families in holidays, picnics and other activities. After that age. they should be given a choice, provided the parents knew where they were and who they were with. It was felt that sharing the occasional family holiday, even for those over 17 who should be getting more independence, brought about better family unity.

PARENTS’ DUTY They also thought parents had a duty to support and back their children at all times. Children needed this security. The main rule for home entertainment of friends, they decided, was that respect should be shown at all times towards the home, whether it was their own or one they were visiting. Parents should be on the premises, but not “in the way” at home parties. Young teen-agers should have only non-alcoholic drinks and those over 17 should be allowed beer, but no' spirits. Most agreed that use of the family car was a parental arrangement and felt there was a certain responsibility towards sharing the cost of petrol. Pocket money should not be expected as a right but children should be given money as they needed it, many of the young people agreed. Some felt saving and insurance payments should start early, for budgeting could be learnt only by handling money. Working young people should be expecte<’ to provide towards the home, according to their wages, but some groups thought the maximum board should be $4. Students should support themselves as far as possible. Most felt teen-agers still at school should not be allowed

out during the week. They expected the parents to stipulate the time they had to be home before they left on a date.

There was general feeling that social pressures were forcing young people into dating at an earlier age. Nd matter what the age of the couple concerned, the girls should set the standards of control and the boy should treat her with respect.