The Trojan
KCHS students polled on moralsTuesday, November 30, 2004 By Katie Harris, senior
What do teens really think about when it comes to serious issues? Are they more mature than we think they are? In a recent survey, 28 students of Mr. Adams’ AP Psychology class offered their opinions on morals and current issues. The group consisted of males and females aged 14 through 17. The first question asked if they found smoking cigarettes under the age of 18 acceptable or not, and if they smoked themselves. Only twenty five percent admitted to smoking or at least thinking it okay; 6 of the 7 being girls. Next was a question of recreational drug usage; of the forty two percent that said they have used drugs, their usage was limited it marijuana and alcohol. Once again, more girls admitted to this than boys. Continuing with the topic of alcohol, only twenty one percent of the students would drink and drive. They mentioned that it would only be for an emergency though, but nonetheless, this number should have been lower. Others said no because it’s not only a threat to their life, but someone else’s too. The fourth question asked if students thought that interlock systems really work. (FYI: Interlock systems are breathalyzers that one must blow into to make their car start. This is meant to prevent drunk driving.) Seventy nine percent believed that they didn’t work, arguing, “You could just as easily get someone else to blow.” Twenty five percent didn’t believe in gay and lesbian marriages – one even called it “disgustingly sick”. The other seventy five percent were either neutral with the topic or found it perfectly acceptable. Only twenty nine percent disapproved of abortion rights – many others said it would depend on the situation. For example, if a girl was raped, then it’s okay. Fifty three percent believed it that a woman should have a right to an abortion. Only fourteen percent disagreed with interracial coupling, some even went as far as to say they shouldn’t have kids. The remainder has moved beyond that slightly racist view. Just seven percent of teens disapprove of pre-marital sex, finding it unbiblical. Others said it was okay if it was safe, or if you were in love. The remaining questions weren’t so personal, but still allowed for comments and opinions. Fifty percent didn’t think there should be any more gun purchasing restrictions. Eleven percent didn’t care, and the rest thought there should be “on girls that aren’t used to hunting” and to “keep convicts from purchasing”. Eighty nine percent don’t want the state’s driving age to be raised to 18, saying, “Kids just need to be more responsible”. Seventy one percent don’t want the draft to be reinstated in the future; one even claimed, “I would move to Canada!” The other thirty nine percent would give it a go for their country. Last, although none of the students can legally vote this year, thirty two percent would vote for Kerry, forty six percent for Bush, and twenty one percent were unsure or said neither of the two. With that, we can expect a lot in the future from our generation of teens today. They seem to hold high moral standards and values, which is respectable considering their surroundings. They can make smart decisions when they need to and think for themselves, so give them some credit every now and then! |