There is an expression "typical teenagers". This is usually said by adults to mean teenagers are lazy, irresponsible and rude to their parents. Of course, there isn't really any such a thing as a typical teenager, but there are some characteristics what are modern teenagers like. To begin with, a recent survey showed that today teenagers are a lot busier than the adults were 30 - 40 or even 10 years ago. They try to do well at school, they are making positive important contribution to their communities, schools and society. A lot of teenagers are studying hard for college or university exams or working at part time jobs after school and at weekends at fast-food restaurants, babysit for neighbors, hold delivery jobs. Many teenagers are volunteering at hospitals, helping the handicapped or disable people, hospital patients. A lot of students take part in out-of-school activities, such as sport clubs, drama clubs, debate teams, coral groups, computer clubs, etc. During their leisure time teenagers spend much time listening to music, playing computer games, going to the cinema, watching video and TV. Some young people are involved in youth groups such as Scouts, "Plast". They learn about citizenship, crafts, arts, camping and other outdoor activities and develop different skills, which will be very important and necessary in their future life. Besides all this teenagers spend some time doing household chores, shopping, and looking after their younger brothers and sisters. But to some people teens today may seems spoiled, undisciplined, and egocentric compared to those of earlier times. What are the main problems and drawbacks of teenagers? The main problems of teenagers are peer pressure or bullying at school and outside it, unemployment of their parents, alcohol drinking, taking drugs, teen pregnancy and juvenile delinquency. The main cause of parents-children problems is that young people don't always share the interests or viewpoints of their parents. To tell the truth it is great to be young!
