1

Bill Yeager

The excuse, “There’s nothing to do in Guernsey”, has been used over and over again throughout the years to avoid dealing with the real issue of problem drinking and behaviour associated with a particular sector of Guernsey’s teens. There exists no magical youth ‘nirvana’, where the feckless and unimaginative can have a myriad of activities laid on for them in order to find one that they can be ‘bothered’ to take part in.
There are plenty of possibilities for recreation on that small island, for those who are actually willing and motivated enough to ‘join-in’.
The real problem, one that is nothing to do with excusing dysfunctional, ‘boredom’ driven, destructive behaviour, stems from the ‘normalisation’ of toxic values, from adults and parents who show little regard for acceptable standards of guardianship or ‘positive parenting’, namely, that the phrase ‘It didn’t do me any harm’, is, at best, ignorant and delusional and, at worst, an outright lie, given that current research into psychological disorders is now focusing on the nature of alteration in gene expression during critical phases of brain development as a result of toxic nuture.
http://developingchild.harvard.edu/initiatives/council/

To put it bluntly, you’re raising these kids to be this way and then trying to blame their dysfunctional behaviour on someone or something else.

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3

Dave Haslam

Bill

Very very good post.

To add to that, heres a couple of suggestions for something you can do……. WORK……. STUDY….. its easy when you think of it.

I dont know the context of these comments, but it does appear that blaming the island is the easy option, its clearly not the real cause.

Oh what must it be like to have these problems. When I (rarely) get a bit of time to myself, I’ve got a million and one things I’d dearly love to do! Drinking because of boredom is not something I can comprehend.

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5

bridge

I have to say, Mr Farish has a point. When I was a teenager, we had the dungeon disco (OK it wasn’t great but it did the trick) plus we had roller skating nights, a proper cinema and the Wimpy to hang out in.

These days we have no regular youth disco (that I am aware of), no roller skating any more, no cafes suitable for kids to hang out and have milk-shakes, a burger and a good old chat), and we don’t even have a decent cinema because they replaced them with a bank and a car park (for the bankers).

Added to that, we have no decent facilities for younger kids. When I lived in the UK (up until 5 years ago) we were spoilt for choice. There were parks, activity centres, zoos, farms, museums and all manner of activites within a half hour drive. There is nothing here except the cr*p and astronomically priced Oatlands. OK if u r lucky and it isn’t raining you can go for nice walks, but my kids certainly don’t want to be doing that every day.

And before you all protest, not all of us can or want to play sports all year round.

Providing facilities for communities is a basic human requirement. We dont live in a third world country so why can’t our kids have a bit more to do?

Why does all our money get invested into the finance industry to the expense of the local population? It seems to me that as far as the States are concerned, if it’s not to do with pandering to the finance industry, then it’s not worth investing in.

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7

Lynnie

I imagine that if you went to any town the teenagers would be complaining that there’s nothing to do.

I don’t buy it for one.

Do underage teenagers drink because there’s nothing else to do? No, of course not. It’s because they’re unimaginative and quite frankly getting drunk underage is taboo and is therefore more attractive. Are we an island that is breeding mini alcoholics? Well quite frankly if anyone here can put up their hand and say they never had a drop of the stuff before they were 18 then I’ll be standing here with my mouth hanging open.

I’m sorry to say that the ones’ who sit there complaining that there’s nothing else to do quite frankly have been brought up badly. There’s plenty to do. There’s going out on your bike, down the beach, to the cinema, bowling, youth clubs, scouts, cadets, football, any other of the 1000 or so hobbies, hanging out at a mates playing Xbox or watching a dvd….

Do you think that if you put on another youth club/event that the kids who are complaining will go?

No, they’ll be down the shop trying to get someone to buy their alcopops or stubbies.

Age old story. All this is is a bunch of unimaginative lazy teenagers whose parents haven’t taken an interest and have faded into the background.

What we should be concentrating on is stricter rules on the purchase of alcohol to minors. More police doing the rounds. However the ‘problem’ (if it is a problem) will never be eradicated.

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9

Eh

Thanks Bill, your post has saved me a lot of typing – excellent post!

Suggestions to these young people:
Music
Drama
Any number of sports I could list

All of which can be low cost (or sometimes even free).

Or, if it isn’t too much to ask, how about being a bit community spirited and popping round to check on an elderly neighbour, offer to help with some chores etc – that is what I did with some of my holiday time and weekends etc as a teenager. No, I’m not perfect, I did spend the odd evening hanging around on a street corner etc, but I was always sober!

Alternatively there is always a bit of school work to keep you busy – just think how much you could improve your grades!!

Bored children = inadequate parents.

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11

Miss 619

Being a teenager myself, i do not drink. i dont see the point in it, i can gladly wait till im 18 which is only a couple months away.

but there is nothing to do for us generation without it being to over priced take the cinema for example.

I’ve had a good guidence from my parents but even they agree theres nothing for us, instead of wasting money building more banks they should spend it providing things for the young generation.

no wonder the younger people are leaving guernsey.

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13

Dave

@Miss 619 such as?

No doubt whatever it is would be entertaining for 5 minutes before you lot would be bored again.

Sorry been there said that got the t-shirt.

Do you not have any hobbies? do you not like to read? do you not like to hang out with your friends watching a film? how about studying? or working? babysitting? the list is endless me dear.

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15

Don

Ah – those poor kids.Looking around the world I would count my lucky stars that I had the good fortune to have been born in Guernsey these days.No wars,no occupation,no seperation,no deportation,no hunger.In comparison to when I was a kid theres everything,I had a bike,a fishing rod,North cinema Saturdays,and would never have thought of saying “nothing to do”!

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17

TL

The natural inclination of youth is to reject (to varying degrees) the environment in which you are brought up and seek new pleasures. That is why young people of Guernsey have always gone overseas to find new experiences. I have no doubt that no matter how many events or facilities are laid on, the youth of Guernsey will feel that their lot is inadequate and be drawn elsewhere.

Then, when they’ve tired of the other places, most will see Guernsey for what it is and return (granted that part of the story is not financially viable for all, but that’s a different issue)

There is so much more opportunity here already. But the youth will often not see it. Spending more money to provide underused facilities (what? where?) will not change the fact that the whingers will still whinge and those with a wandering soul will still want to wander.

Heh, the Aussies are the same. Their island is a little bit bigger than ours and they have plenty to do (in certain parts at least) but vast numbers feel the urge to go wandering the world before returning home.

It is not something that will changed by a roller disco or a fairground whatever it is that is missing.

Isn’t it funny that the people who say there is nothing to do never actually say what they want to do? Maybe the real problem is that they do not know what they want?

Sorry, that post was a bit of a stream of consciousness.

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19

Terrier86

@Don

I couldn’t agree more with you. Children in Guernsey just don’t know how lucky they are. Having taught in England and worked in deprived areas of Liverpool I have seen for myself children who have very little but are able to entertain themselves.

The problem lies with the parents who have not brought their children up to appreciate their surroundings. I think Mr Farish is referring to 15+ age group in this article. I suggest these young adults should look for work, earn some money, and then they could afford something that costs money.

It’s disappointing for someone in Mr Farish’s position to be having this opinion.

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21

kevin

Miss 619,
You say you can’t afford the cinema but two hours a week working at Lynnie’s (wherever that may be) would pay for a night at the cinema (she’s also very keen on employing students) So I suggest you contact Lynnie and she (or he) will fix you up with a job. When you work for a living you will find that you have a great deal to do with your hard earned cash.

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23

Paul Le Page

I agree with many posts here, and Hello sums it up nicely with an excellent post.

The “nothing to do” mantra has been banded around by pretty much every generation since the concept of “teenagers” was invented; I recall saying the same thing 20 odd years ago. It doesn’t matter where you live, the grass will always be greener somewhere else and the reality is that no matter how many facilities are put on for youth, many will still complain there is nothing to do – as someone alluded to above, part of the problem is many don’t really know what they want.

So what is the problem? Personally I think it is at least partially one of culture. Historically, young people went straight from childhood to adulthood. By the time they reached 14 or so, they were expected to start behaving like adults. Now we have the “teenage” years where they are physically and mentally entering adulthood yet are still treated like children – no wonder they complain of boredom.

bridge comments that “Providing facilities for communities is a basic human requirement. We dont live in a third world country so why can’t our kids have a bit more to do?” I would argue that in comparison to the vast majority of teenagers across the world our kids have plenty to do – even compared to many developed nations. Also, if the problem is one of facilities, why are teenagers in third world countries often far more content (and better behaved) than those in the West? One of the reasons I would suggest is that young people in these cultures don’t have the luxury of “teenage” years. Once they reach their teens they are expected to behave like adults and the irony is that they are often far happier for it.

Perhaps more worrying for us is that this concept of “teenagers” is rapidly expanding into the twenties. More and more we are creating a generation of Peter Pans who want to live in a fantasy land of constant entertainment and remain children instead of growing up.

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25

Simon

Of course there is plenty to do……learn a language, a musical instrument, start and internet business etc etc, but I think it is the culture that has an expectation of what young people should want to do that is the issue. Each person is totally unique, not all want to go skate boarding, do drugs or dance, some sing, some do art etc, Sorry there is plenty to do, even if it is working to save up enough money to go to london and do some real stuff! If the leaders are visionless, the kids are totally done in

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27

Martino

“we don’t think like you did deal with it”

Sorry, stop stereotyping, but casting my mind back nearly four decades to when I was your age I seem to remember thinking exactly like you do now. It is one of the tragedies of the human condition and reminds me of the George Bernard Shaw quote: “Youth is a wonderful thing. What a crime to waste it on children.”

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29

Ray

Teenagers could always take time out to learn the highway code and make the effort to get rid of their scooter L-Plates

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31

Chris

Some teenagers will always want to experiment with alcohol; e.g. binge drink to oblivion. They are, of course, a minority of that particular demographic. Out of that minority, I’m sure only some of them will point to a lack of things to do in Guernsey as an excuse or an explanation for their behaviour. However, in my view, that is a bit of a cop out, a cop out which Mr Farish seems to be encouraging.

The reality is much more complicated than kids not having anything to do. There are deep-seated cultural reasons why binge drinking is a phenomenon in Northern European culture, especially the UK, the Channel Islands, Germany etc. If kids see or hear stories of their parents or other adults abusing alcohol on a regular basis, then it is hardly surprising that a minority of children will end up copying such behaviour as it has been “de-stigmatised” by the adult example in the eye of the youngster and has therefore become part of the perceived ‘accepted norm’.

There are also all sorts of social and economic factors that also contribute to this kind of problem; but lets not forget the fact that parents should be trying to instil a degree of personal responsibility into their children. One social / economic factor that I think is of relevance here is the stressful culture that we impose on children these days. Constant examinations, constant demands placed on kids, bombarded with advertising and sex, all against a background of a society that worships materialism and money which many kids will always struggle to achieve because of failure at school or other social difficulties. Why don’t we just allow children to be children anymore?

(As an aside, there may be a perception that there are extremely limited sources of good, clean “fun” for teenagers in Guernsey but that isn’t the reality if you look hard enough, especially at this time of year with such good weather. I concede that the winter might be a different ‘kettle of fish’ altogether however).

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33

Tom

Well I dunno,’Seems as if there isn’t any ‘go’ in the young ones of today,
So one must ask whose to blame, if there is any blame to be doled out.

What with packed food, pizzas. and all made to order- well now there’s no sense of adventure left for them.

everything is hog-tied.
That is everything except that little thing called TRY.

I know things have altered; I know there are no cinemas, I know most things are placed in an order book and MUST be obeyed.

There is no scope what so ever for them today.

Try going out and perhaps try to sell door-to-door, anything from flowers to vegetables- to a helping hand.-

What do they get, “Hey you” (note that polite manner eh?) anyway ‘hey you that’s illegal you need a licence,
Anything they may try and do is all out of reach by some old geezers who don’t wish to be disturbed whilst having their little cat-nap.

No before anyone starts shouting the odds loosen up a bit- be reasonable. because I feel all those restrictions are a bit over the top.
Of course there must be law and order- but not the type we had for five years.
You want young people to respect. then try showing a little respect.

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35

joe

i agree with many of the views and opinions showcased here these teenagers blaming the island,s facilities for their excessive drinking and poor behaviour this is probably a minority once again spoiling it for the majority of teenagers is a cover up and just a poor attempt to justify their behaviours. this island provides adeqaute facilities for the discerning interested young person drama clubs, sports clubs, beau sejour it is a weak excuse why should people have tp give up their time on fridays and saturdays to entertain badly behaved ill mannered minority of teens who cant constructivley amuse themselves.

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37

graham

plenty of things to do if they put there mind to it ,we had less things to do in my time but we made use of the beaches ,count themselves lucky they dont live in a housing estate in the middle of some big city !

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39

bridge

Eh: I don’t regard myself as an inadequate parent thank you.

My children are well brought up and respect authority, work hard at school, are bright and happy and participate in numerous ‘constructive’ activities, at considerable expense. However, the fact remains that when they just want some down time (something all your slave drivers obviously object to), and it is pouring with rain, there are very few options. Anyone who disagrees obviously doesn’t have young children.

And as many of you obviously haven’t noticed, we no longer live in the Victorian era when sending children up chimneys and down coal mines was acceptable either.

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41

Neil Inder

This story doesn’t seem any different to the early 80s. A bunch of punks sitting on the same benches (story of last week) bemoaning the lack of things to do. That was probabaly shortly after them saying “I was never asked to be bo-oooo-rn”

Nothing has particularly changed in 30 years; the hair is a bit different but same old teenage “angst”.

They’ll come good in the end. Relax

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43

Anon

Anyone thought of talking to Dee Caf? At the moment they open later on a Tuesday and Thursday evening, if someone spoke to them they might offer to change it to a Friday if a couple of the workers there were willing to stay on.

They are trying very hard to keep the place open and make themselves noticed. They do a very good job there, my partner went there when he was young and they helped him a lot, we stil visit there now as the woman who runs the place likes to no how everyone is getting on,they arrange different activities such as fishing and kayaking.

I would be more then happy to introduce my daughter to Dee Caf when she is older.

To those who said go to the beach I don’t think that is going to stop underage drinking etc have you never heard of a beach party???

I’m 21 and when I was younger I did find plenty to do and I totally agree with the comment on Beau Sejour I think it’s rubbish now! But I struggle to find things to do with my daughter, yes there is the park and the beach but what bout when the winter comes???? I totally agree that Activity World should never have gone and what about The Strawberry Farm that’s gone too now hasn’t it….

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45

Eh

Buttonz – if the “youth of today” had not earned themselves the reputation they have, then it would not be an issue would it? My Grandmother would love it if the neighbours kids popped in to see her now and then. And I wasn’t talking about a “bunch” of youngsters anyway. It is not funny, it is a realistic suggestion. If we had any sort of community spirit in the island it is something that would happen every day.

A couple of weeks ago, two young lads knocked on my door at home to ask if they could wash my car (for money obviously), I was delighted to see young people showing a bit of initiative in an effort to earn themselves a bit of cash. I know of a young man who is keen on gardening and sells his produce on the hedge, again, doing something constructive with his time and earning a little bit of money in the process. So why are only a few getting stuck in with these types of project?

A bit of guidance and encouragement from a parent is all it takes. So I repeat, I blame parents 100%. Children having a “rebellious stage” or not, if their parents have instilled any sort of respect in their children, both for others and for themselves, this “rebellion” would be measured and kept within certain boundaries.

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47

Kittycat

It’s so easy to say “there’s nothing to do”. It seemed the done thing a few years ago when I was a teenager to moan about how rubbish and boring Guernsey is, though I never really felt that way.

I moved away from the island some years ago and have lived all over the world. I can say with confidence that Guernsey really, really isn’t that bad.

The island is small, and some activities are expensive, but most towns in England, mainland Europe and America have exactly the same problem. Even in London, most of what’s on offer is either extortionate or only suitable for over 18′s. People forget how lucky we are to have what we DO have – watersports & outdoor activities, beautiful beaches, cinema, bowling, performing arts centre, go-karting (I assume that’s still there?) not to mention the low crime rate which makes it all much easier. If I’d grown up in a city my parent’s never would’ve let me out unsupervised.

The problem is this culture of instant gratification which has been creeping up on us for the past few decades. Why bother to read a book when you can watch tv? Why save up for that dress when you can use your credit card? Why use your imagination when you can drink yourself stupid and forget how bored you were?

If a child grows up thinking a nice day off involves slumping lazily in front of the telly, why would you expect that child to go looking for things to as a teenager when there’s alcohol to be had?

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49

Sanguine

@ EH – A bit of guidance and encouragement from a parent is all it takes. So I repeat, I blame parents 100%. Children having a “rebellious stage” or not, if their parents have instilled any sort of respect in their children, both for others and for themselves, this “rebellion” would be measured and kept within certain boundarie.

Blaming the parents, how cliche. But yeah you are wrong. I was a massive underage drinker because i was bored on this island, because this island is boring – thats a fact!

Brand the kids how you like, but dont listen to the last 30 years of kids saying how bored they are and claim “they lack initiative” then you will NEVER solve anything.

FYI, im about to buy my second house at 26 so if you still think that underage drinkers are kids with no aim in life, you are wrong!

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51

Billythefish

Halleluyah to Kittycat!!! Nowhere is any different – make your own fun – without trashing anything!

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53

Sam

Unfortunately all the arguments here seem to have validity. There are lots of things to do if you look for them and use your imagination. The problems comes to the cost of living in Guernsey. If you are under 16 it is unlikely you can get a job. If your parents cant give you lifts everywhere and its too far to walk your pretty stuck. The only two things I can think of that this island lack is a decent cinema (with something bigger then a TV and all the current films on, with no rip off prices and polite staff) and better public transport. The busses runing late on certain routes is all very well but if you are allowed to stay out till 10 but the last bus is at 8 (in the summer) or earlier then you are going to be driving your parents nuts.

The dirnking culture is bad on this island as it is in the UK but if you look more closely the young people are not usually underage teens. They are people between 18 and 25, setting a brilliant example for those under 18. Perhaps these people need to take a closer look at our culture and actually try and learn something about the Island they live on, its heritage, its wildlife. Then perhaps they could be proud enough to not show themselves up every
Friday and Saturday night.

This is where I would like to state that I am 23 and I DONT go into town on the weekend

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55

WOW

@Lynnie

Well just shows how much you all know about Mr Farish.

He works at youth clubs 3 nights a week (including sunday night)
Coaches an under 21 & Under 17 Island Basketball team
Works closley with the sports commision & Housing department

Can you confirm what you actually do to help children?

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57

Jane

I moved to Guerney from the UK, children in Guernsey say they have nothing to do and talk about the UK as some sort of Valhalla where everyone goes to Alton Towers every weekend and everyone goes to the cinema regularly etc etc I came from a town with a cinema, a bowling alley it was about 6 hours from Alton Towers and as a family we rarely went bowling (too expensive) or to the cinema (too expensive) and never to Alton Towers (too far!!). Children in Guernsey have one thing that the children on the mainland don’t have and that is safety and freedom, they can go to the beach or go for a bike ride or a walk and their parents don’t have to worry about stranger danger, they have miles of lovely beaches with a wealth of activities there should they want them and they are all free, rockpooling, swimming and fishing healthy outdoor activities there for the taking so they should be thankful for what they have and make the most of it while they are young enough to be free to enjoy it all.

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59

Terry

This topic seems to have sparked a huge public responce. Can’t remember this many posts since teenage Watson girl was asking viewers to judge her photo’s in the hope of her becoming a model.

Back on topic, It has often been said that there is little or nothing for teenagers to do on the island. The question I will like to raise is what will they be doing if they lived say in London? send them to a crime ridden, heroin and crack den, grimey council estate in the most dirty part of Greater London for a month and I can asure you there views on Guernsey on nothing to do would dramatically change.

Parenting plays a huge role on a teenagers life and their attitudes, morals and drive will always rub off upon their children. It is a fact of life that some come from well off supported familys where others are very less fortunate and live poor. However where parenting is concerned it doesn’t matter what your income is its how you respond to your children’s needs and the attention you give.

Guernsey offers a high level of education, in many parts of the UK this standard of education could only be seeked privately. On the whole education can be ruled out this equation which leaves the teenagers themself.

‘Boring people get bored’

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61

carmine pagliarone

i have been reading over the coments above and understand that there is a lot of things to do (if you look for it and are motivated)maybe it is down to how kids are raised.

prehaps they do not look hard enough.

here is a question
do we leave them to it because they were not raised properly?
do we stand by and say they are wasting there lives and its down to them?
or do we make a stand and help save all the ones that may have potential?

i would personaly like to help give my knowledge of how to find things to do.
help build skate parks ect to help.
and point out that we all have been lost with no direction at some point.

to many people here have money and all the things they want and have lost respect for that.

we should all take a hand in helping and get the blinkers off,
if we do not the end result will be that our little GSY will no longer be a safe nice place that we came up in.

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63

Siletto

@Wow

Mr Farish may appear to you to be a pillar of our community, and the activities you mention are very laudible, which I am not for one moment decrying.

However, if he really believes in the negative views he holds, is he the right person for the day job?

I do not think evangelical fervour for what is on offer, (and there is a lot for those with the initiative to go and get included/involved in) would be the answer, but neither is making a totally negative statement going to help the situation either, in fact it occurs to me that he is giving just the wrong sort of encouragement to young drinkers to just carry on pushing the self destruct button, like, “he says there is nothing to do, and he should know, because he is a leader, so may as well go and buy some booze”.

It is positive, constructive leadership that is needed Mr Farish, so look forward to hearing what you feel is lacking here.

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65

Paul Le Page

@bridge – of course you are entitled to your opinion that there are “few civic options for children’s entertainment” on Guernsey – I don’t agree*, but you’re entitled to your view and I don’t think you are a bad parent for raising children that have a desire for a greater diversity of entertainment.

That isn’t really the point though – the point is that your children don’t get drunk and vandalise things when they don’t get what they want. This is the real issue here – it’s not so much a matter of desires, it’s what happens when those desires aren’t met. I think it is a good lesson for parents and society in general to teach children: it’s great to have aspirations and desires, but in the real world sometimes you don’t get what you want, or on other occasions it can take a little longer to achieve than you might hope.

* It is worth noting that few places (apart from major conurbations) have a huge diversity of entertainment within a 5 mile radius from home, which is roughly what we’re talking about on Guernsey. That’s the cost of living on a small island, but then again would you rather exchange the relative peace and safety of Guernsey to live in inner city London?

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67

Steven

Poor Mr Farish is taking some undeserved flak here.

What he has done is quite clever really. By making the comment he did he has gotten many people putting in their view enabling a legitimate reason for discussing the subject in depth with the very people that require direction, whilst maintaining trust for being on ‘their’ side. Brilliant except of course i’ve just blown it.

In answer to some people that blame parenting I would like to relate the circumstances of two young men that I know. I’ll call them 17 and 18 as that is their ages. They have had the same upbringing. 18 has always been very relaxed and is never without something to do. He left school at sixteen and was lucky enough to find work. He started drinking when he was seventeen and only goes out with his friends at the weekend, occasionally he comes home drunk but able to walk without falling off the pavement.

17 is very different, he left school at sixteen. He was only sixteen when he was picked up by the police and taken to hospital paraletic. His parents were called out on other occasions so that the police could question him on events created by his ‘friends’. He got involved in spice and such things and his attitude started changing for the worse. Thankfully his parents talked to him without anger or threat and he gradually has come to realize that the advice they have given him is sound. He now thinks first before acting. This lad was brought up in a household that always served the youngest first at the table. Now at seventeen he still only has part time work and would love to obtain an apprenticeship but just cannot find one. The two enjoy each others company, they are both above average i.q. both have a well developed sense of humour and are both very friendly.

Now I have no doubt that bad parenting can in some cases be the cause of an undesirable result, but in this instance why such a difference? Well I have noticed something about these two, 17 is very outgoing, whereas 18 although self confident is reserved without an interest in fashion. 17 likes to impress whereas 18 doesn’t feel a need to, take him or leave him he’s not bothered. Take these two into an unknown town and set them in diferent directions and an hour later you’d probably find 18 watching the boats going in and out the harbour whilst 17 is the centre of attention in a bar somwhere surrounded with eight new friends he has just swapped phone numbers with and facebook details.

The upshot is although there are plenty of things to do, there are some who require the acceptance of their peers for just being the person they are without excelling in some sport or activity. Some people look upon them as anti-social but actually quite the opposite is true.

Possibly the answer lies in their level of self confidence which i’m sure we can all admit is a very contentious issue for most that have only recently gotten into adulthood.

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69

coyote

stop stereotyping
| July 27, 2010 at 11:04 pm
people who are saying, “back in my day blahdy blahdy blah” times have changed, its not back in your day any more, its now in our day, times have changed, we don’t think like you did
deal with it…’

you are quite right; we didn’t think like you do. We thought and you don’t! The advent of television; computers; gameboys; mobile fones; ipods; ipads; and etc; as well as lack lustre parenting, has produced a must-have-it-instantly generation with zero imagination.

instead of enjoying the wonderful privileged life you have on this island you binge drink, drug yourself up to the eyeballs and go on a crazed spree of destruction of things physical, mental and emotional.

my age, or lack of it, is irrelevant because you can’t see people as people. Has it never ever occurred to you that those of ALL ages might sometimes feel just as you do but we don’t go and wreck the world as revenge for its supposed shortcomings.

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71

lotus eater

how can you be bored in a world which has books?

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73

cynic

GG with that last comment you truly show how ignorant you are. One doesn’t need to have kids to know if there’s stuff to do – we’ve all been there, and the older ones amongst us will probably remember childhood more clearly than some of us younger ones!

The problem is not a lack of things to do, it’s a lack of interest, motivation, discipline and independent thought on behalf of the youngsters, coupled with a belief that they are somehow “owed” something.

You aren’t going to get any sympathy from this quarter as I grew up where there was even less to do than Guernsey (and there were no cinemas, no broadband, no XBox 360s etc available to us either)…

Get a grip!

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75

GG

Still haven’t explained to me where you got your stats about every single “kid” over here gets drunk and high.

I for one don’t, nor do I “kick in windows”, underage drinking has always happened, infact it used to be worse where young adults would drink drive home.

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77

coyote

GG
‘…Still haven’t explained to me where you got your stats about every single “kid” over here gets drunk and high…’

As I never actually said this I can’t help you there.

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79

Ernie Milkman

Nothing to do in Guernsey = no theme parks, shopping malls etc. What about helping around the home? My Mum always had me and my sisters hoovering, preparing the evening meal, watering the veg patch etc. That’s the problem, consumerism has taken over from responsibilities. Nowhere to consume = nothing to do.

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81

blah

stop stereotyping | July 27, 2010 at 11:04 pm

well said! it is interesting how another economically and politically powerless minority have been the target of so much reaction. as usual, it’s a toss up between the states house tenants, people on benefits and teenagers as to which group is the most threatening social pariah. i spotted only 1 or 2 previous posts which suggest our core values might be an issue. our most influencial core values are those central to consumer capitalism – distill this down to ‘i have the right to have what i want and do what i want, when i want and where I want, however i want, AS LONG AS I CAN AFFORD IT.’ these consumer values saturate everyone’s lives, but target teenagers more so than ever through modern media and technology. these values target every teenager, whether their end of the level playing field is smooth as silk or a barbed wire minefeld. mr farish is trying to help those who are expected by society to BUY their happiness at any cost. kids who know they, or their parents, have never been able to attain the material standards that 24/7 advertising set down will feel frustrated and less worthy. you can tell them to read poetry and grow vegetables but unless our central value system places those activities above the ‘buy, have, bigger, better, shiny stuff, now, COS YOU AIN’T WORTHY unless you have done’ messages, divisions will remain.

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83

Help Them!

I can’t believe what I’m reading, you can blame the kids for poor parents all you like but that’s not going to change much. Surely you have got to try and help them out of the pits they have been unfortunate enough to be born into?

When I was a teenager I used to spend a lot of my time at Beau Sejour, it was a real social hub. There was skating and roller disco, the dungeon disco we would dance, chat and generally have a great time. The youth workers were great, they became friends and you could chat to them, sometimes about things you couldn’t discuss with your parents. Mostly the teens had respect, I guess that’s what’s missing these days, but we had a lot to be thankful for but we were shown a lot of respect to.

What’s happened to Beau Sejour, they turned all of this into conference facilities? You could have teen bands playing to teen audiences, make what we had but turn it modern. Make a membership to get in, if you don’t behave your membership gets taken away, perhaps for a short period at first? You may not solve the problem but a lot of kids would have a great time. Personally I would separate the concourse, make a hang out area with snack bar and give them the Sarnia Hall to do things in. Problem, you need a lot of volunteers with good imaginations and funding and the States of Guernsey to give up part of the centre to the youth!

You have to remember not all kids want to play sport; a lot just want to hang out, chat and have fun with their friends, this doesn’t make them bad, nor does the fact they don’t want to do sewing, knitting or bottle fruit! Not all parents have money or the foresight to inspire their children, this is unfortunate and unless you can switch this round their kids may be the same. I say get some positive into their lives; give them a reason to behave. Also there are a lot of great kids (regardless of good or bad parents) that need more to do. They are all growing up so quickly these days; this is the world we live in and not their fault.

I had a great time as a teen, there was stuff to do, and a lot of interaction with good people that had time for us. My kids are still quite young, but I wish they had to look forward to what I had!

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85

melc

THE TRUTH IS….

You’ll keep most of the teenages happy most of the time.
and you’ll keep some of them happy all of the time.

But you’ll never keep all of them happy.. all of the time

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87

melc

Should have been “most likely closed on health and safety grounds” as it was a very old building. Or was it because some one in power lived next door.

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89

TL

Help Them!, I don’t think that anyone is saying that you need to travel the world in order to live a fulfilling life, or even that you need to “get the breaks” in order to do so – in fact, quite the opposite as most of the posters are saying that it is possible to constructively occupy one’s time without relying on activities being provided to you or being able to pay for fancy stuff.

Yes, there are plenty of people here who are less fortunate, and who have less, than others. But the point is that life is there to be lived and each person needs to find a way to live it and provide their own satisfaction. If a kid of 15 or 16 cannot occupy themselves, how on earth are they going to occupy themselves when they are an adult? It becomes a vicious cycle of lack of inspiration, as each set of parents fails to set an example to their off-spring.

I certainly agree that there needs to be something done to break the cycle, but calling out for “things to do” is not the answer. The answer is making things to do. I am sure that Adam does a great job and that this remark has been blown out of all proportion, but surely it is for youth workers like him to inspire kids to be creative, rather than simply consumptive?

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91

Sarah

Makes me laugh the kids have too much these days when I was young I use to play outside, clumb trees go to the park beach I never had a computer playstation. The kids of today have too much but they all seem to go onto facebook to run down so call mates etc. Earn so pocket money, get a job, get out in the fresh air, get a life. but be safe.

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93

Terry

GG

Read my post above dated August 1, 2010 at 1:29 pm

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95

blah

it is true that all these local adults, who criticise the local teenagers for not knowing ‘they are born’ compared with most of their peers living in war and poverty ravaged countries, are correct in a material sense. trouble here is that very few of those adults would accept the same critique if i suggested their persistent adult demands for cheaper goods, less rules, less tax, more freedom, etc., etc., was also completely selfish and unthinking, in relation to the experience of the aforementioned foreign persons. you are still picking on the teenagers, who as a generation, simply reflect the values you have taught them.

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97

Donk

Blah
“Yes, ADHD is just an invention by doctors and parents, they were called “naughty” in my day and oddly enough most of it suddenly disappeared when correct discipline was metered out. It is solely looking for any excuse as to why your kid is behaving like that and not accepting any responsibility.”

I partley agree with you the label of ADHD that young people get given but for most this is true and in “your day” these were the guys that went to prison. Also drugs are a whole different world and have a massive impact on their behavior. I am old enough now to also say things were different and that is why I don’t compare anymore as it IS a different world.

Remember when you can go to the Longrie for a few pints and then drive into town and carry on? Police didn’t really hassle you.
My main question I ask you is what is the “correct discipline”? I think this answer would help all the people that work with the Guernsey’s troubled youth.

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99

ask the question

I was young once and i remember the States provided youth services over a weekend. You could go to Brock Road youth club and have a choice of many activities but you still wanted to go out with your mates and hang out on the street! My friends child goes to the youth club on a thur and sun but they say that there are no clubs anymore on fridays and saturdays? Why not?
Anyone fancy asking the Youth Service why they no longer provide this?

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101

bungle

Help Them

Have you not realised that Beau Sejour is a business ?? I dont see many kids hanging around the tills in checkers abusing staff and customers, or breaking lights in M&S or getting drunk at the friquet ?? Please correct me if im wrong !! Im sure youd be unhappy if more tax money was spent propping up Beau Sejour because they had less customers spending money due to kids causing grief up there. Its the same reason the Bowl stopped having kids hanging round down there – losing customers.

Get a grip !

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103

Ed

“Help them”

I saw a dificency in the youth provision for my children starting from September and I’ve taken a large gulp from the bucket of cold sick that it working with teenagers…

What are you doing? or are you another one of the “somebody needs to do something” gang?

You idolise the youth workers you related to, but, do you realise they were just like you are now?

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105

Dave Haslam

The Man

I wouldnt let him/her bother you, I think he’s a WUM, he only ever seems to have an opinion when its in direct contradiction to someone else or imflammatory.

For what its worth I think your comments are spot on.

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107

Steven

The Man, I fail to understand your recent comments and wondered if you could expand on them. Are you implying that those that are afflicted with dyslexia are incompetent parents?

And out of interest, what do you think would be the reaction of parents (who have degrees (with honours) in english) would be if their child received six strikes of the cane in front of the rest of the school?

How do you know that getting struck in front of the school did you no harm? Your post certainly shows that you are insensitive to other peoples feelings, lack sympathy, empathy and are without commpassion, classic symtoms of someone humiliated in such a fashion.

What qualifies you to dismiss a professionally recognised condition?

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109

The Man

Steven

I must admit I am just as confused by your comment as you apparently are of mine!

If you refer back to the post which you question, please note the use of speech marks to denote speech, ergo, nothing to do with dyslexia whatsoever.

Re you second paragraph, what is the offence??

I dont think half an hour on the naughty chair, or getting sent home so you can play on your X-Box for even longer today, is sufficient punishment to such crimes as purposely torturing and killing the school Rabbit, or kicking a classmate in the head repeatedly so he goes to hospital with a fractured skull(both real life examples of kids who just got sent home for the day, and who’s parents who phoned the school threatening war, if the children were suspended).

Bringing back the cane may be taking things a bit far, but more disciplinary powers should certainly be available.

Your next paragraph I find slightly bizarre!

Are you saying that me being taught right from wrong in such a way that actually made me think about what I did and actually empathize with my victim has actually made me less sensitive or compassionate to other peoples feelings??

Hmmm I like your logic!!!

I note that you question my comments as insensitive and lacking in empathy, yet you said nothing in reply to the posts claiming that Guernsey kids have got it as bad as kids in other countries.

Try wacthing some footage of the recent floods and then re-reading my comments in the context in which they were meant.

But thats ok I suppose, you know NIMBY and all that!

And with regards to the “professionally recognised condition”, well nothing qualifies me personally, except reading the (validated) research into ADHD which suggests that pfizer had a lot to do with its creation. And extensive discussion with many GP’s and social workers who beleive that it is a sham to sell drugs and explain naughtyness.

There are children with genuine illnesses such as aspergers, dyslexia, epilepsy, that are pooled in classes with ADHD kids, how is that fair to them?? Or am I just being insensitive again?

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111

Dave Haslam

Steven

Is one of the english degrees (with honours) yours??

If so it surprises me that you do not appear to know how inverted commas are used!!

As for the rest of your post, clearly you havent been reading the thread properly, but I’ll have some of what you are smoking nonetheless.

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113

Dave Haslam

Donk

So, are we now not allowed to defend posters who despite voicing their opinions (albeit someWHat vociferously), are then the subject of potentially insulting allegations, which could have been avoided had the initial post been read properly??

You are right…. where are we going wrong??

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115

donk

the answer is in what you say Dave. To respond just adds fuel to people who do not fully understand or get it wrong. It then pulls away from the debate into a “slanging” match of who is right or wrong.

Anyone being nasty are dealt with by the mod? If its been passed then its acceptable by that person at least. Focus….

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117

The Man

Dave Haslam

Thanks for the defence!

Personally I dislike being slighted solely because my posts are interpreted incorrectly.

Its good to know that others feel the same as me in that if you attack a poster because you have the wrong end of the stick, you should be called on it.

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