United Kingdom Life Stages: Coming of Age
Transition Traditions
There are no special rites to mark the coming of age in the UK. Christian confirmation ceremonies may be regarded as a rite of passage, although the age at which it is performed varies considerably. Traditionally children were confirmed during their early teens and in many dioceses, a minimum age has been set for confirmation. However, anyone who has received appropriate preparation and who is old enough to answer responsibly for himself or herself can be confirmed. According to the Book of Common Prayer, the Confirmation rite is a renewal of the vows made on the person’s behalf at baptism, and the bishop prays for God to strengthen those confirmed with the Holy Spirit.
The debutante ball is a relic of British society designed to present eligible young women to society to ensure that the breeding lines of the nobility remained pure. The practice disappeared in the 1930s, but now many young men and women from the upper class attend society parties with much the same aim. The more common rite of passage for the less privileged is the “leaver’s ball,” which is celebrated at the end of school and may be attended by parents and faculty in addition to the student body.
Issues Facing Teens
Teenagers in the UK are similar to those in North America or Europe. They chat with and text their friends on their mobile phones, hang out with their friends, listen to the latest music, shop, and watch television or movies. They face many of the same problems that affect their counterparts in other developed countries. The UK, for instance, has the highest rate of school dropouts in the industrialized world.
The younger generation is also becoming sexually active at an increasingly younger age, which has led to one of the highest rates of teenage pregnancy in Europe. Furthermore, a significant number of teens have unhealthy food habits that range from obesity caused by diets rich in fatty food, fizzy drinks, and sweets, to anorexia nervosa, brought on by an obsessive desire to remain slim by starvation. Some young people are hooked on video gaming, internet pornography, and alcohol.
Entering the Workforce
Many teens take on small jobs to allow them a degree of financial independence, and some take on full-time employment to support the family income. According to a survey, more than 30 percent of 15 -to 19-year-olds in Britain are out of the educational system and performing low-skilled work.
During the school year, 13- and 14-year-olds are generally allowed to work a maximum of 12 hours a week, while 15- and 16-year-olds can work up to 15 hours a week. This includes a maximum of two hours on school days and Sundays. During school holidays, these hours increase, but there are still limits to ensure adequate rest and leisure time. Additionally, children under the age of 16 cannot work before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m.
Copyright © 1993—2024 World Trade Press. All rights reserved.