'I talk to may teens, not interrogate them'

'I talk to may teens, not interrogate them'

A non-governmental organization working to combat drug abuse
among teenagers, the Cinta Anak Bangsa Foundation (YCAB), has
published the results of a recent survey that shows one in two
respondents has a tolerant attitude toward pornography while one
in two has a permissive attitude toward drugs and violence. The
Jakarta Post asked residents to comment on the survey results.

Raharjo, 45, works at a bank on Jl. Sudirman. The father of
three lives in the Bumi Serpong Damai housing complex in
Tangerang:

I am a conservative father. Some of my colleagues say I am
overprotective of my children as I never allow my 16-year-old
daughter to go out with her friends in the evening.

I don't care what they say because that's the only thing to do
to protect her. I think she is not mature enough to make
decisions. Moreover, I often read reports about drug abuse and
indecent relationships among teenagers.

It seems she understands my concerns. Rather than sneaking
out, she invites her friends to come to our house after school
hours and on weekends. They usually go home before sunset.

She is now accustomed to my policy. She never asks to go out
in the evening.

In return, we often go out together -- eating in restaurants
or to other nice places. Sometimes, we go to the movies if there
is an interesting film.

Sutarman, 49, works at a company on Jl. Rasuna Said, Kuningan
area, South Jakarta. He lives in Pondok Aren village, Tangerang:

Like other parents, I am worried about reports of rampant drug
abuse among teenagers.

I have two sons -- 13 and 16. It is not easy to monitor their
activities outside the house.

I always try to know who their friends are. I tell them not to
become close to people who are a bad influence.

I have not had much time for them, so the time we do have
together is used for talking about their friends and their
activities when they are not at home.

We talk casually and they don't feel like they are being
interrogated. They seem happy to explain what they do outside the
house. They also describe the personalities and stories of each
of their friends.

I also gave a cellular phone to my 16-year-old son so that I
can contact him anytime.

-- The Jakarta Post