‘The teenage years are the best years of one’s life.’ Would you agree with this view? (CAMBRIDGE NOV 1994)

'One man's meat could be another man's poison' highlights that more often than not, there are different views. perspective and opinions when an issue is raised. Some may agree that teenage years are the best period while some may detest that very statement. Before I explore the benefits of being an teenager , let me first define the word. teenagers refers to a particular group of people aged 13-19 years old.

As the widely affirmed epicentre of commercial activities in SEA, life in singapore is undoubtly fast paced. teens in singapore are expected to perform expectionally well in academic as well in sports. society holds little tolerance for slow learners and those who does badly in school. elitism practised in singapore only serve to increase the stress placed upon teens. the contributors of stress are parents, teachers and society. the tools of 'transmitting' this unwelcoming syndrome are uneccessary exams, common tests and stacks of tutorials await to be completed.though co-curriculm activities are encouraged and not made 'compulsory', teens cannot afford to lose the benefits CCAs participations and achievements can do for one. within the short period of 6 formative years, teens have to undergo two major exams- O and A levels. teens are given 6 years to cram in all the knowledge they required in order to at least to enter university, clearly hint the amount of stress singaporean teens undergo. as society places such conventions on teens, they are expected to fulfil each and every criterion of these demanding expectation. Now, who says adult life is more stressful than teens?

beside juggling with CCAs and academic work, teens' largest problem is their emotional, psychological and physical changes. there is no doubt that teens are at higher risk of being involved in gang fights and all kind of atrocities as they pass through an angsty, rebellious phrase. but this doesnt give them the excuse to commit crimes or be led astray. matter turn worse if parents fail to understand and spend quality time with their kids, this will result in teens developing perverse or morbid thoughts. this could be seen by the pervalent 'emo' trend whereby teens wear dark tshirts, listen to glommy music and write doom-laden poetry. this provide evidence that teenage life is hard to live by.

teens reach a point where they question their identity and seek to develop their every own identity. sometimes ironically, copying others. unfortunately,teens often choose to celebrities as role models. Slim, pretty and adorning branded goods seems to be the in trend. however, poverty pervail in any country and not every teens can afford to be quintessence of their so called role models. As hungry leads to anger, jealousy leads to crimes, there have been reports on thiefs as young as 13 14 years old. worse still, teens are found swallowing slimming pills
that are may have adverse effects on them. anexoria and bulimia are no longer restricted to models only.


thats not all, teens are troubled by hormonal changes, thus, they are susceptible to negative influences and tempted to try out boy-girl relationship or even girl-girl relationship. teens might not have the strength and ability to overcome the difficulties posed. well i would say its woman innate character to be totally committed into a relationship and when a relationship fails, they do silly stuff to soothe their depression of being ditch. teens have to ensure they reach a good balance in social life as well as school life. hence, being a teen isnt an easy feat.

on the other hand, the fondest memories who can have before stepping out into the vicious society is during their teenage years. the times spending with classmates studying, with teammates cheering, training and schoolmates forgoing a sense of belonging to the school are unforgettable. if teenage years spent in school are terrible, anyone in the right mind would not form alma mater group. teenage years which are also formative years are the best as this is the time teens can pick up several skills that aid in thier future. teenage years are when true and valuable friendship are forgo and could last a lifetime.


in conclusion, teenage years would be one's best moments if its well nutured. the determinants factors are too many to mention, the main ones are family, school, friends and imptly, the teen's attitude. as for me how can i judge whether my teenage years are the best years of my life when i havent even experience the endeavours that lies in my future.