I doubt so.
I strongly feel that parents should not do so, although teens are still adolescents, because they indeed has attained a certain level of maturity to allow themselves in making rational decisions. Parents can, of course, make decisions for teens but only if there is a need to do so. Thus i say that teens should be granted the rights to make their own decisions.
Teenagers nowadays have very different thinking as compared to the past generation of teens. We are much more independent learners and have a very high confidence level in trusting ourselves in making the best and rational decisions that benefits us most. What makes parents think that teens aren't capable of making the decisions when teens are not even allowed the chance to prove so? According to Robert Epstein, Harvard Ph.D said that teens aren't able to prove their competency because parents protects teen from danger, don't trust them to work on their own and also, make basic decisions about their health, education or religion. I think that parents are excessively protective of their child against danger and they should instead give them more freedom in expressing themselves and their capabilities in a matured way.
Furthermore, Studies have shown that ever since the new generation of teenagers has evolved, there has been increasingly less rate of crimes, violence, consumption of illegal drugs, teen pregnancy, etc. as compared to our parents' generation. This proves my point to a greater extent that parents should acknowlege the fact that more and more teens are aware of the dangers of unpleasant doings, suggesting greater maturity and intelligence amongst teens.
On the other hand, parents can make decisions for teens only if there is a need to do so. You may say that children will benefit less if parents do not interferre with decision making. This is rather theoretical as parents may be more experieced than teens but this does not necessarily mean that the decisions made are always essential for the growth of teens. As there is an "Adult in Every Teen", parents are preferred to make decisions for their child when they are younger and should gradually let go as they grow up. The fact that why teens don't reserve the right to decide for themselves is partly due to financial issues. For example, a teen might be eager to study abroad but due to lack of financial support (if parents are not favouring the idea of overseas studies), he is unable to do so, thus limiting his ability to make effective decisions for himself.
Therefore, I say that teens should deserve more respect and trust instead of patronization and over-protection from adults in making decisions. Hence, parents should not always decide in the place of their child [teen] as ultimately, it is the child who is going to complete his life journey.
Just for Fun :)
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