Teenagers need your help

I am a teenager. And I would like to say something about the young mothers and fathers.

The reason why most teenagers are young parents is because they have nothing to do. And most teenagers start to take drugs and alcohol at a young age. They also start smoking at about 12 years of age. That is a big problem.

Most teenagers have nothing to do most times, unless they have work or join activities. But not all teenagers have that. They need to keep themselves busy. But they also need help.

So I am wondering if the school gives enough effort to do this each year. They can have some teenagers go to elementary schools and do aftercare for the kids until about 5:00 p.m.

Or have the teenagers help with day-care. Or after school, have activities at the elementary schools for the kids to do. Or they can organize a homework club with middle school kids.

That way teenagers can help themselves gain confidence, and hope for them to be healthy again. Do you think the high school would do this? Or will they just ignore the idea?

Not only during the school year, but they should also have something for the summer and other school breaks. That way teenagers can have something to do besides taking drugs or alcohol. This is what the schools should do for the teenagers. They are the future for Nunavut. Teenagers need your help!

(Name withheld by request)
Iqaluit