Sunday Special: Teacher Talks: Who Is Responsible for Teenagers’ Destructive Behaviour?

Teacher Talks: Who is Responsible for Teenagers’ Destructive Behaviour?

Opening Hook:

More Than Just ‘Rebellion’

Why is it becoming so common to see a lack of empathy in today’s youth?

Why do so many teenagers disregard the emotions of their elders and younger ones, comfortably living in their own digital bubble?

The root of many destructive acts lies in unchecked emotions - anger, revenge, jealousy, greed, and the reckless thrill they call masti.

These are not issues that can be solved with money, property, or recognition. They are deep mental, emotional, and psychological disturbances that demand awareness, guidance, and introspection. Healing starts only when we take responsibility, both as individuals and as a society.

Disclaimer: 

A Call for Correction, Not Condemnation

The real-life incidents shared below are not to blame, accuse, or target anyone.

Their purpose is to awaken awareness to remind teenagers that what seems like harmless fun can sometimes destroy a life forever.

Real Incidents: 

When “Fun” Turned Fatal

Incident 1: The River Tragedy – Etawah

In a quiet village near Etawah, tragedy struck when a young boy was found dead in a river.

A woman working in the fields had earlier seen three teenagers on a bike heading toward that very spot. When she asked why, they casually said they wanted to take a bath though the place wasn’t even safe enough to stand near the bank.

The three were classmates returning from coaching. The boy who drowned did not know how to swim.

Afterward, the other two boys remained silent, hiding the truth from everyone. The victim’s helpless father came to know about his son’s death only after the post-mortem report.

The police case closed soon after the father’s death, leaving behind whispers , 

"Was it recklessness or jealousy? Was it an accident or revenge against a bright, intelligent student?"

The questions still hang unanswered.

Incident 2: The Diwali Night Fire

This Diwali, our society decided not to burst crackers inside the premises due to ongoing repairs. Everyone agreed to celebrate outside the gates safely.

Families gathered in festive spirits, three generations laughing together, when a group of teenagers arrived, most of them outsiders. Being the founder chairman of the society, I recognised that only one among them lived there.

Moments later, a fire broke out between our building and a newly constructed one. An old sofa had caught fire. But instead of helping, one teenager thought it would be funny to throw a “sutli bomb” into the flames. Within seconds, the fire grew dangerously close to electrical cables.

A guard rushed with a bucket of muddy water, and I joined him, trying to contain the fire and calm the crowd. While we battled the flames, one teenager smirked and asked,

“Uncle, what’s burning there?”

Another joked,

“Now how will the person sleep without a sofa?”

That moment revealed everything, the casual cruelty, the disconnection from empathy.

Eventually, with the help of the security supervisor and a responsible boy who brought the fire extinguishers, we controlled the fire. The mockers ran away; the sincere helper stayed till the end.

Reflections: 

The Missing Emotion - Empathy

Both incidents expose a painful truth: the absence of empathy and accountability among many young people today.

In the river case, two boys hid their friend’s death instead of helping.

In the fire case, teenagers risked lives and property for a few seconds of laughter.

Yet, amid this darkness, there were rays of light- the lady in the field, the security guard, and the boy who helped with courage and sincerity. They showed what empathy still looks like.

The Core Question: Who Bears the Responsibility?

It’s easy to point fingers at the teenagers. But they are the products of their environment - a mirror of the society that raised them.

Parents: Many parents feel helpless or lenient, ignoring early signs of irresponsibility. When boundaries vanish, foolishness turns dangerous.

Community: When discipline is replaced by fear or indifference, we all share the blame. A healthy society must correct its youth without humiliation or violence.

System: Even the law often fails—because power, influence, and “references” silence justice.

In truth, responsibility must be shared.

Parents must teach empathy.

Communities must set moral boundaries.

Teenagers must learn that real fun never comes at the cost of someone’s pain or safety.

Practical Takeaways: Building a Responsible Generation

1. Model calmness and empathy. Teenagers imitate what they see.

2. Teach cause and effect early. Every action has a consequence.

3. Encourage mindfulness or meditation. It strengthens emotional control.

4. Promote real conversation. Replace gadgets with genuine talk at home.

5. Reward responsibility. Appreciate small acts of kindness and care.

6. Involve schools and societies. Create youth-driven safety and awareness clubs.

A moment of thrill can destroy a lifetime of peace. Let’s teach that lesson before tragedy does.

From the Author’s Desk

My intention is simple yet sincere to help build a more empathetic, aware, and responsible generation.

The world is already in pain; what it needs most now is compassion, not competition.

If this reflection makes even one young reader pause and think before acting, the purpose of this blog is fulfilled.

Thanksgiving

To the lady in the field, whose courage brought hidden facts to light.

To the boy who stood by during the fire incident—proof that humanity still lives in young hearts.

To the society secretary, for acting swiftly and reinforcing safety measures for all residents.

Final Thought

Teenagers don’t become careless overnight.

They become what they observe.

Let’s stop blaming and start guiding with awareness, empathy, and consistent action.

Ending Appeal 

If this blog made you reflect, please share it with your friends, family, and community groups.

Together, let’s spread awareness and inspire a generation of responsible, empathetic, and emotionally strong teenagers.

With warm regards,

Rakesh Kushwaha

Founder, Mathivation HUB