Face Off JRA 2014: At 18, should we give our parents money? (Negative)

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By Helen Wong, 14, Dallam School, Britain
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By Helen Wong, 14, Dallam School, Britain |
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Youngsters should thank their parents for their care and support. As turning 18 means becoming an adult, some believe teenagers at this point should get a job to contribute to household spending. Although it is important to become a more responsible person, I don't think 18-year-olds should have part-time or full-time jobs.

To start with, juggling school and work is difficult for most young adults, so it would cause a great deal of stress. University graduates often complain about how difficult it is to get a job. So it's likely that 18-year-olds who want to work in their last year of school or first year of university will struggle to find a job. 

At the same time, they have school work, revision and public or internal exams to cope with. 

According to the British newspaper, The Guardian, a rising number of students are failing their modules at university as they devote too much time to their jobs. Even at Cambridge University, where high achievers study, the impact on grades is severe. 

Worse still, some university students take up jobs with poor working conditions or long hours. What was meant as a kind act for their parents becomes a concern for them instead. 

Of course, taking on domestic responsibilities helps youngsters grow, and that kind of attitude should be praised. 

Rather than supporting the family through financial means, I believe they should help out with household chores. This would nurture a sense of responsibility in young adults, and help them appreciate the value of hard work.


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