The idea of youths’ freedom to choose friends is a debate the first side of which advises that parents had better intervene in such occasions; however, the second side insists that juveniles have to do it on their own. While the latter seems to be more logical, both points of view will be discussed below.
Children’s authority to choose friends, on the one hand, has numerous effects on their lives, as it is argued that self-independence would follow. This would gradually teach them to lean more on their own decisions, hence preparing them to make more fundamental choices in their personal lives, with the effect of becoming more resolute and responsible. Selecting life partners and romantic relationships, in addition, should be considered as an individual matter, even though the significant role of parents couldn’t be undermined as they might be devoted advisors for their scions. For instance, in modern Western communities, youths have learned to depend on their own free will on such occasions, accepting the consequences of their decisions whether these could be positive or detrimental. This, in the long run, makes them stronger in their personal lives and bolsters their problem-solving skills.
The advocates of parental involvement, on the other side of the debate, may claim that parents are the right persons to make crucial decisions for their progeny as they are more experienced compared to younger family members. This awareness and wisdom they have achieved over the years seem to help them distinguish between the good and the evil. Therefore, elderly ones may protect youngsters from deleterious surroundings and harmful impacts of a wicked society, which are affecting susceptible ones. In some serious cases, such threats are confined to drugs, detrimental relationships, and emotional traps, having devastating influences on the kids’ physical and mental health conditions and lives. For example, in several traditional Eastern cultures, according to recent sociology studies, fathers and mothers have a major role in opting for life partners for their young boys and girls, tending to interfere in the private matters of their children. This interference would eventually disrupt the foundation of families and result in youngsters struggling with identity crises and independence issues.
Overall, with respect to the controversy over whether young people should have the authority to make their own decisions in terms of finding life companions or parental guidance is the priority in such cases, the latter seems to be debunked due to the feasibility of identity affairs and lack of self-reliance in making crucial personal decisions.