
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, March 10, 1992                   TAG: 9203100398
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-7   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

SPITE

SOME TEEN-AGERS have sex and get pregnant to spite their parents. Some teens think, "My parents don't care, so why should I?" Many parents don't spend enough time with their children or don't show them they care. Feeling unloved leads many young people to seek affection from their boyfriends or girlfriends.

Another big problem today is peer pressure. The idea that everyone else does it makes it seem like the right thing to do. Some guys almost force their dates to have sex. Fear of being beaten or losing the boyfriend causes many girls to give in.

Teachers and staff at school need to let students know that they are there and can be trusted to share their problems. Parents, too, need to talk with and be there for their children. CHRISTIE HUFFMAN PARRY McCLUER HIGH SCHOOL BUENA VISTA

by CNB