Where Did We Go Wrong With the Younger Generations?

Hey! Younger generations – Sometimes I find myself wondering, what happened to them?

We were mischievous too, but not malicious. We respected boundaries, understood consequences, and knew when to draw the line. Today, it feels like the values that once shaped the younger generations are slowly fading away.

Just recently, I had a troubling experience in my own neighborhood. A group of kids and teenagers, part of these so-called younger generations, were playing recklessly with mercun (firecrackers) dangerously close to my house. I suspect they may have even burned the netting on my grill. My husband and I have reminded them before not to throw rubbish everywhere, but they still do it like it’s the norm.

Where are their parents?

I’ve never seen them around. There’s no one to supervise, no one to ask where their kids are or what they’re doing. Back then, even at 18, our parents would still question us if we stayed out too much. These days, it’s as if parenting has become optional.

I genuinely want to maintain peace in the neighborhood. I really do. But keeping quiet is only making things worse. When boundaries are constantly crossed, and there’s no adult accountability, it’s the community that suffers. I even prepared a cover report, thinking maybe that’s the only option left if no one else wants to take any action.

This isn’t just about noisy kids or littering. It’s about a bigger issue: Lack of discipline, lack of guidance, and a fading sense of respect for shared spaces and people within the younger generations.

What Can We Do As a Community?

• Report responsibly. If there’s danger or recurring misconduct, document it properly and inform the relevant parties.
• Lead by example. Let our homes show what respect and responsibility look like to the younger generations (and their parents).
• Hold space for the kids. Sometimes these younger generations just need someone to show interest, not judgement.
• Reconnect parenting with community. We’re not here to point fingers, but to remind each other that raising respectful younger generations takes a village.
• Start talking again. Talk to your neighbours. A simple conversation can spark awareness.
• We owe it to ourselves, and to the younger generations, to do better. Let’s start the conversation before it’s too late.

Thanks for reading. If you are interested, you can read this article from Tribal News Network as well.