Do you think a similar message on awareness of public health can be sent to Singaporean youths through online social-networking sites?
Yes, I think that a similar message on awareness of public health can be sent to Singaporean youths through online social-networking sites.
Majority of Singaporeans youths are active in social-networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Friendster, and MySpace and have created profiles on these sites. Many also go online frequently to post information about themselves and to stay connected with their friends. Thus, considering the amount of time Singaporean youths spent on social networking sites, I feel that these are good platforms to allow youths to be more aware of the risk of posting sexual and substance-abuse content on their profiles.
At this age, youths are easily influenced by their friends to take up drinking alcohol, smoking and other illegal activities that would destroy their future. All these could be prevented by parents or other adults by monitoring a child's actions and behaviour through their internet profile. Similarly, by sending a similar message to youths will help to remind them not to do anything that might affect their future or have a negative impact on their image and their lives.
However, once adults interfere with their online social profiles, youths will most likely ''clean up'' their profiles, making it private or removing explicit content. This makes it even harder for adults to monitor what the child is doing.
In conclusion, i believe that message on public awareness can be sent to Singaporean youths as it ensures that youths know how to be more responsible in managing their profiles. Sending the message does more good than harm as I feel that only a small group of youths would ignore the message and continue with their ways.
Saturday, February 27
Friday, February 26
Cherlyn Tan/ Teen Pregnancy, Hollywood Style
Do children today grow up too quickly? Give 3 reasons why you think so
In today's world, i do agree that most youths do grow up too quickly. Many youths want to gain independance as soon as possible nowadays and like to follow their so called 'idols' from television very closely, thinking that it is cool to do so. Thus, this results in many youths being pregnant at a very young age.
Firstly, many youths nowadays want to have freedom and do not like the thought of being control by their parents from a very young age which is about at the age of 13 years old. They wanted to be treated like adults and want to be on their own. They will try to act cool and will find that many things are very childish to them.Hence, i find that youths do grow up too quickly these days as they want to have their independance and aulthood as quickly as possible.
Secondly, through the media, many youths came to know about sex at a very young age though they do not really know the consequences of having unlimited sex. Thus, they are growing up a lot faster as compared to youths in the past generations who are more conservative.
Thirdly, many youths are experiencing teenage pregnancy at a very young age due to unprotected sex. Thus, this results in many youths becoming young mothers and some can be as young as 14 years old. Moreover, based on the article, balancing parenting and work can be quite difficult for mums in their 30s, and what more a 19 years old girl, Candi Johnson who wants to go back school and wants to get a job but is responsible for her 18 month old son. Thus, youths are growing quickly as many youths all around the world started to become mothers and fathers at a very young age.
In conclusion, I think that children nowadays do grow up very quickly as they want to gain independence at a young age, being influence by the media and thought that by having unprotected sex means that they are cool but only to result in teenage pregnancy. Thus, I find that the way children think now is more towards being mature as compared to children in the past who were taught to be conservative.
In today's world, i do agree that most youths do grow up too quickly. Many youths want to gain independance as soon as possible nowadays and like to follow their so called 'idols' from television very closely, thinking that it is cool to do so. Thus, this results in many youths being pregnant at a very young age.
Firstly, many youths nowadays want to have freedom and do not like the thought of being control by their parents from a very young age which is about at the age of 13 years old. They wanted to be treated like adults and want to be on their own. They will try to act cool and will find that many things are very childish to them.Hence, i find that youths do grow up too quickly these days as they want to have their independance and aulthood as quickly as possible.
Secondly, through the media, many youths came to know about sex at a very young age though they do not really know the consequences of having unlimited sex. Thus, they are growing up a lot faster as compared to youths in the past generations who are more conservative.
Thirdly, many youths are experiencing teenage pregnancy at a very young age due to unprotected sex. Thus, this results in many youths becoming young mothers and some can be as young as 14 years old. Moreover, based on the article, balancing parenting and work can be quite difficult for mums in their 30s, and what more a 19 years old girl, Candi Johnson who wants to go back school and wants to get a job but is responsible for her 18 month old son. Thus, youths are growing quickly as many youths all around the world started to become mothers and fathers at a very young age.
In conclusion, I think that children nowadays do grow up very quickly as they want to gain independence at a young age, being influence by the media and thought that by having unprotected sex means that they are cool but only to result in teenage pregnancy. Thus, I find that the way children think now is more towards being mature as compared to children in the past who were taught to be conservative.
Yee Tat / Should the media be blamed for influencing youths today?
Well while have most of the blame fallen onto the media for influencing youths today, it is not fair to solely point the finger at the media as youths also have the responsibility to be able to differentiate right from wrong. However i agree fully with the article putting the blame on the media as it has affected youth's perception to what is right and wrong.
Firstly, like what the author has rightly pointed out, the media in order to attract more viewers, has spice up its shows with 'imitated sex'. This has affected the views of many youths who might get a wrong idea and in addition, has young kids from the age they started watching television programmes to be influenced.
Secondly, the media has long proven it can cause a huge change in lives of youth as show in this example. When Western TV was introduced to the country of Fiji, 4 years later, Eating Disorders like Anorexia and Bulimia increased fivefold. This is largely due to fact that the perceptions of most successful people are thin. This is a scary statistic as it shows the huge effect the media can have on youths.
Finally, some youths who have dual working parents or single parents have a lack of parental guidance in their lives. This void is taken up by the television or internet where they learn their so called morals in life. This has resulted in a generation of youths who have a lack of proper morals or how they should behave as their behaviour is largely influenced by the media. This current trend show no signs of stopping and can be seen everywhere. Thus the influence of the media is shown here.
Thus i conclude my reasoning on why the media should be blamed for influencing teens.
Thursday, February 25
Eunice / The Youth of Today... A Lost Generation? (7b)
Do you agree with the writer's response?
Summarizing what the writer said about the youth of today being a lost generation, yes, he feels that today's youth are indeed lost. He feels this way because they do not know how to look after themselves by eating healthily and staying fit. This is largely blamed on technology and globalisation, because technology keeps the youth staying indoors and thinking less, and globalisation has led to the increase in many fast food outlets, which largely increased the number of obese youth.
''Instead of helping them, this technology is a weight around their necks. It's stifling their education and practical learning skills. It keeps them inside when they should be outside. Ultimately, their overall health is suffering.''
I beg to differ.
Technology is something that the youth of this generation get to enjoy. No doubt all inventions have their pros and cons; I believe that the pros far outweigh the cons.
Improvement in technology is essential because it helps in efficiency and productivity. Without such improvements, the economic state of our world will remain stagnant. The recent budget statement by Singapore's government further reinforced this. It is highlighted that for Singapore's survival, relying on technology is the way to go to increase the productivity growth to 3 percent annually from the dismal 1 percent achieved in the last 10 years. This shows the importance of technology.
Also, I believe that improvements in technology should not be blamed for the sedentary lifestyle of this generation's youth. Technology does not only include computer games, handphones and stuff, but also includes equipments that can help to improve one's health. Examples are some of the advanced gym equipments that help to improve the efficiency of workouts. This shows that the sedentary lifestyle of youth is not caused by technology but more of their individual attitude.
Advanced medical technology also helps in giving a more accurate assessment of one's health status and provides scientific prescription to help improve one's health.
Therefore, I believe that technology does not necessarily stifle youth's education and practical learning skills, but instead, help in improving the effectiveness of learning. With improvements in technology comes globalisation. With globalisation, the world is more connected than ever and knowledge can be shared with one another. This enhances the learning process of youths.
Summarizing what the writer said about the youth of today being a lost generation, yes, he feels that today's youth are indeed lost. He feels this way because they do not know how to look after themselves by eating healthily and staying fit. This is largely blamed on technology and globalisation, because technology keeps the youth staying indoors and thinking less, and globalisation has led to the increase in many fast food outlets, which largely increased the number of obese youth.
''Instead of helping them, this technology is a weight around their necks. It's stifling their education and practical learning skills. It keeps them inside when they should be outside. Ultimately, their overall health is suffering.''
I beg to differ.
Technology is something that the youth of this generation get to enjoy. No doubt all inventions have their pros and cons; I believe that the pros far outweigh the cons.
Improvement in technology is essential because it helps in efficiency and productivity. Without such improvements, the economic state of our world will remain stagnant. The recent budget statement by Singapore's government further reinforced this. It is highlighted that for Singapore's survival, relying on technology is the way to go to increase the productivity growth to 3 percent annually from the dismal 1 percent achieved in the last 10 years. This shows the importance of technology.
Also, I believe that improvements in technology should not be blamed for the sedentary lifestyle of this generation's youth. Technology does not only include computer games, handphones and stuff, but also includes equipments that can help to improve one's health. Examples are some of the advanced gym equipments that help to improve the efficiency of workouts. This shows that the sedentary lifestyle of youth is not caused by technology but more of their individual attitude.
Advanced medical technology also helps in giving a more accurate assessment of one's health status and provides scientific prescription to help improve one's health.
Therefore, I believe that technology does not necessarily stifle youth's education and practical learning skills, but instead, help in improving the effectiveness of learning. With improvements in technology comes globalisation. With globalisation, the world is more connected than ever and knowledge can be shared with one another. This enhances the learning process of youths.
Wednesday, February 24
Oh Yi Na/∙ The Youth of Today. . . A Lost Generation?
I agree with the article written by Susan Allen as I believe that the reasons she had stated in the article cause the youth of today to be of a lost generation.
The youth of today are of the new X generation. They are completely different from the youth from the past. Youth in the past experienced gender inequality where boys were able to attend school while girls were supposed to stay home to help out with the household chores. Nowadays, both boys and girls are compulsory to attend school and at least achieve a primary school education certificate. Also, youth in this generation are generally more independent and have their own way of thinking. Many young men and women out there are struggling to live independently and to have a good social life and relaionship with others. This would make it harder for parents to educate their children as the thoughts and opinions that they have on several matters would differ. Soon, the problem of a lack of communicaion arises as youth turn to their friends for help or advices. Without parental guidance, one has the risk of walking astray as they may take a wrong step that would change their entire life. To avoid this, parents should give youth of today the time, space and freedom they need to develop a mature independence.
Carmen Chan/ Rethink the Millennial Generation
Give 3 characteristics, negative or positive, that you associate with Singapore's Millennials. Explain why you chose each of the characteristics.
I believe that Singapore's Millennials are confident enough to strike it out on their own ('enfantrepreneurs'), are social creatures and are an optimistic bunch!
I believe that Singapore Millennials are confident entrepreneurs because many Singaporeans that belong to this generation are starting businesses after they graduate from polytechnic, University etc. This is evident in the increasing number of successful online blog shops where consumers are able to purchase items with a click of a button. This phenomenon is termed as 'enfantreprenuers' and can be attributed to the expansion of the economy, credit and technology that has enabled Singaporean youth to be more entrepreneurial.
Secondly, I believe that Singapore Millennials are social creatures because being a part of the Millennial Generation; i find this characteristic to be very true. Having grown up in a globalised and technologically interconnected world, we are truly social creatures and we are natural team players. Even in school, we have subjects specifically tailored for us to work with people (PROJECT WORK (PW) ).
Lastly, i believe that Singapore Millennials are optimistic as we have grown up in a stable environment, free from war, famine and poverty. Hence, we have a positive outlook on life and are less governed by fear. This allows us to have an open mind and not be confined to the stereotypical thinking that Generation X possessed.
I believe that Singapore's Millennials are confident enough to strike it out on their own ('enfantrepreneurs'), are social creatures and are an optimistic bunch!
I believe that Singapore Millennials are confident entrepreneurs because many Singaporeans that belong to this generation are starting businesses after they graduate from polytechnic, University etc. This is evident in the increasing number of successful online blog shops where consumers are able to purchase items with a click of a button. This phenomenon is termed as 'enfantreprenuers' and can be attributed to the expansion of the economy, credit and technology that has enabled Singaporean youth to be more entrepreneurial.
Secondly, I believe that Singapore Millennials are social creatures because being a part of the Millennial Generation; i find this characteristic to be very true. Having grown up in a globalised and technologically interconnected world, we are truly social creatures and we are natural team players. Even in school, we have subjects specifically tailored for us to work with people (PROJECT WORK (PW) ).
Lastly, i believe that Singapore Millennials are optimistic as we have grown up in a stable environment, free from war, famine and poverty. Hence, we have a positive outlook on life and are less governed by fear. This allows us to have an open mind and not be confined to the stereotypical thinking that Generation X possessed.
Tuesday, February 23
Joy / Are The Youths Of Today Less Rugged?
What does being 'rugged' mean to you?
To me, rugged would mean being fit and able to face physical challenges as well as to be able to withstand physical hardship.
In your experience, are the Singaporean youths of today less 'rugged' and why do you feel this way?
I feel that Singaporean youths of today are indeed less 'rugged' as compared to those of the previous generation. Although they do still exercise, especially since there are PE lessons which are made compulsory, it is not enough. Intense exercise for approximately 2 hours a week is definitely not enough to keep fit, I believe the secret to staying strong and 'rugged' is more of exercising regularly. Even in our daily lives, the activities we do that seem small and insignificant do actually play an important part in improving our health and strengthening our body. An example would be how the activities of the past generation differ from ours.
During their youth period, the adults of today spent time together having fun by catching fishes from shallow waters or going for a swim at the beach. However, in my experience, youths of today enjoy spending time together by having meals, watching movies or even sitting down for a game or two on the computer. Such activities are by comparison way less physical and we're most of the time sitting down and just moving our mouths.
Although some may say youths of today take part in more challenging and physically demanding sports such as wake-boarding, skiing, kickboxing and more, I feel that this only applies to the minority and cannot be said so for the majority of Singaporean youths today.
Also, the past generation did not have as much technology as we have now, such as efficient transport systems which brings us from one point to another without us having to move around much.
So yes! I do think that the Singaporean youths of today are less 'rugged' as compared to those of the past :)
To me, rugged would mean being fit and able to face physical challenges as well as to be able to withstand physical hardship.
In your experience, are the Singaporean youths of today less 'rugged' and why do you feel this way?
I feel that Singaporean youths of today are indeed less 'rugged' as compared to those of the previous generation. Although they do still exercise, especially since there are PE lessons which are made compulsory, it is not enough. Intense exercise for approximately 2 hours a week is definitely not enough to keep fit, I believe the secret to staying strong and 'rugged' is more of exercising regularly. Even in our daily lives, the activities we do that seem small and insignificant do actually play an important part in improving our health and strengthening our body. An example would be how the activities of the past generation differ from ours.
During their youth period, the adults of today spent time together having fun by catching fishes from shallow waters or going for a swim at the beach. However, in my experience, youths of today enjoy spending time together by having meals, watching movies or even sitting down for a game or two on the computer. Such activities are by comparison way less physical and we're most of the time sitting down and just moving our mouths.
Although some may say youths of today take part in more challenging and physically demanding sports such as wake-boarding, skiing, kickboxing and more, I feel that this only applies to the minority and cannot be said so for the majority of Singaporean youths today.
Also, the past generation did not have as much technology as we have now, such as efficient transport systems which brings us from one point to another without us having to move around much.
So yes! I do think that the Singaporean youths of today are less 'rugged' as compared to those of the past :)
Kai Lin/The Multi-Tasking Generation
Do you think teenagers are not making the best use of their time? Give at least three reasons why you think so.
Yes, I do think that teenagers are not making the best use of their time. Even though as students we have heard teachers’ repeated emphasis on ‘time management’, many of us (myself included) still do not plan and make use of our time productively.
What are teenagers doing in their free time? Majority of us prefer to watch television programs, chat with friends (via SMS, Facebook, and MSN etc) and watch videos on YouTube.
Most of these are usually done at the same time, making teenagers multi-tasking experts. Since multi-tasking means that we juggle a few activities at once, doesn’t that mean teenagers make use of their time well?
I feel that really making the best use of time is spending most of it on productive and useful work- hence multi-tasking or not, surfing the internet aimlessly is not making the best use of our time.
We could do many other things during holidays or weekends instead. Setting aside time for exercising is something highly-beneficial yet also highly-neglected. Instead of ‘last-minute studying’, we can use our free time to read up in advance on topics to be tested. Even going out with our families for a simple dinner might be a better use of time than eating in front of the computer and taking a silly quiz on Facebook.
Perhaps spending a maximum of two hours during the weekend just playing addictive games and watching the latest music videos is good enough for de-stressing. More than that and it is not spending our time wisely.
Yes, I do think that teenagers are not making the best use of their time. Even though as students we have heard teachers’ repeated emphasis on ‘time management’, many of us (myself included) still do not plan and make use of our time productively.
What are teenagers doing in their free time? Majority of us prefer to watch television programs, chat with friends (via SMS, Facebook, and MSN etc) and watch videos on YouTube.
Most of these are usually done at the same time, making teenagers multi-tasking experts. Since multi-tasking means that we juggle a few activities at once, doesn’t that mean teenagers make use of their time well?
I feel that really making the best use of time is spending most of it on productive and useful work- hence multi-tasking or not, surfing the internet aimlessly is not making the best use of our time.
We could do many other things during holidays or weekends instead. Setting aside time for exercising is something highly-beneficial yet also highly-neglected. Instead of ‘last-minute studying’, we can use our free time to read up in advance on topics to be tested. Even going out with our families for a simple dinner might be a better use of time than eating in front of the computer and taking a silly quiz on Facebook.
Perhaps spending a maximum of two hours during the weekend just playing addictive games and watching the latest music videos is good enough for de-stressing. More than that and it is not spending our time wisely.
Sunday, February 14
Monday, February 8
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