San Jose High School Academy (graduate)
Hundreds of children continue to suffer and die in Bosnia. Russians in Chechnya, including teens, are being kicked out of their homeland. The Oklahoma City bombing left many youths without a parent or minus a loved one. As young people are affected around the world, American teens remain uncertain over what attitude to take, whether they should care or even be informed.
Many youths believe they have no need to know about the things happening around the world. To them these occurrences remain remote without any direct effect on their lives.
"If it doesn't hit me directly it doesn't interest me," said Gabriel Lozano, 19, a student at De Anza College. "If I lived in Bosnia then maybe I'd want to know what's going on over there, but it's on the other side of the world."
Others just lack interest.
"I don't really watch much news. There's nothing that I like," said Myles Reinert, 13.
Abraham Lincoln High School student Jose Flores, 17, said, "Wait 'til they grow up; kids are self-interested and unconcerned."But not all young people are apathetic. Many do recognize the need to know what's going on in the world.
"I guess teens should be aware because we're going to be adults sooner or later and have to take responsibility," said Lena Ramalho, 17, who will be going to San Francisco State this September.
Lowell High School student Joe Vistan, 17, said, "I think we should be aware of the news because there are a lot of problems, like STDS (sexually transmitted diseases) and AIDS."
Alda Chan, 17, also from Lowell, stated another reason why youths of today need to be informed. "News is history. We can learn from the mistakes adults are making now and use it when it's our turn to be leaders."
Often, youths are interested but may not see the importance of making the time to listen or read.
Hilary Ward, 18, said, "I can't say I pick up the paper or really watch the news. It's just I never get around to it, but when I do hear the news it does interest me."
School, other responsibilities and entertainment often are the things that keep teens from keeping up with current events.
"I have no time, mostly because of school work and chores at home," said Terra Nova High School student Jacqueline Mendoza, 16. "Then I don't really watch television. I listen to the radio, to music," Mendoza said.
Even those who watch television prefer other shows to the news.
"That O.J. thing is so boring," said Yesenia Lozano, 18. "But since it's the main story, you have to watch through it before you can learn about anything else. So why watch that?"
Many teens would rather watch talk shows, television sitcoms, or basketball games. These shows are more interesting; a common complaint about news reports is that they are dull.
"The information isn't given in an exciting way. Most teens look at a paper and just see black and white letters. It's so boring and monotonous," said Tanner Shea, 16, who added, "Teen news is a good idea because it's on a more personal level. It's more interesting and we can relate to it better. For example, I go to Lowell High School and we put out a paper. Everybody gets into it because it's about us."
Recently the media have attempted to start appealing to teens.
"A lot of shows have been put on for teens, showing that the news is not just for adults. Like there's one called `Straight Talk' and another one called `First Cut'," said Lowell student Daisy Hung.
Ericson Babaran, 17, also a Lowell student, acknowledges that the media has been putting on more `kid's news' but thinks more can be done. "The media can use more youth reporters and editors and report on more interesting subjects like music and school," said Babaran. "You know, stuff that affects me."