Youngsters thumb down moral policing

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It’s the brave new world for every generation that hits their teens and the Rebel yell manifests itself in every way from fashion, hair-dos, music, to dating debates. Every instance of friendly or not-so-friendly instruction that comes from an ‘older, wiser’ source is rebuffed and with kids rejecting the moral policing done in schools and

colleges, it’s like their team chant is, “Hey, teachers, leave those kids alone!”
Jiya Jaisingh, 17, from Jai Hind College, says, “I honestly believe we’re just too pressurised. I need to be able to balance work with play. ‘Friendly interjections’ from teachers are acceptable only if they actually are friendly. I couldn’t care two hoots about what they think of what I wear, or listen to. It’s not about rebelliousness, it’s about being allowed to just be. Sometimes their caustic comments are just dreary dressing downs. After a day of studying, I love to go out with friends or take a walk. It’s important to take a break. I can’t be told to go study or not talk on phone.”
Conflict coupled with angst is a teen reality but these young adults want to be respected enough to be allowed to make their own mistakes, “No matter what teachers do to enhance their relationship with students, differences remain. Sometimes teachers seem to be on the same wavelength but it usually turns out to be superficial and inadequate,” says Pooja Bhave, 17 from Ruia college, adding, “Teachers need to respect our life decisions. At our age, spontaneity is what gives us a thrill. The old-fashioned ‘pros-n-cons’ thinking comes in the way of free spirited teens. It is not a sin to commit mistakes as long as you learn from them. An absurd idea need not always be met with a loud “Are you out of your mind?” reply. What fun is a flawless life void of any bizarre teenage incidents to narrate to your senior citizens’ club friends, 50 years hence? I rest my case.”
While some teenagers chafe at the flack, some are just grateful their teachers don’t constantly butt in. Says 17-year-old Shashank Balak, “I have full freedom at home, I’ve even changed my academic stream twice. We have nice teachers who don’t put too much pressure on us.” Ritika Merchant, a student of St Mira’s College counts herself among the lucky ones, “Our convent school was super strict. It was impossible to step out of line. I’ve found newfound freedom now in college and our faculty is outgoing.”