The Editor, Sir:

The behaviour of teenagers at schools and on buses is a reflection of what is going on in the wider society. Why do we refuse to put the blame where it belongs? Because our hands are tied when it comes to the television programmes that are filtering into our homes under the direct view of children. Programmes on Black Entertainment Television and our own Jamaican television stations especially in the prime spots on Friday and Saturday nights offering video sexual demonstrations encourage youth to follow along as they too may become famous and be on television. Perhaps they are performing on the bus with an aim to being discovered.

Behaviour is being modelled

Whatever the motive of young people to carry on as they are now doing without, it seems, any fear or shame of repercussions of their behaviour, the bottom line is that this behaviour is being modelled for them. They, and their parents are only partially to blame. As a parent, I must continually monitor these programmes as they show up. Sometimes you can be watching a seemingly normal programme when some vulgar language or vulgar scene comes on. If the parents say nothing, the youth think that it is alright.

Mothers on the buses is a good idea, and it is proof that there are concerned, well-meaning parents who are willing to get involved.

I am, etc.,

Concerned Citizen