There is a debate over the freedom of children when choosing friends, with some saying teenagers themselves should completely be accountable for this while others arguing parents’ choice is the most important factor. However, I maintain that it would be an effective way if parents teach their children qualities which must be prioritized in friendship instead of limiting teenagers’ autonomy.
On the one hand, parents have a long life-experience, expertise, as well as moral compass which can be invaluable when choosing friends, unlike children who are unaware of fluctuation and uncertainties of life. Therefore, their precious advice regarding friendship has long been valued, especially in Eastern countries. For example, while children are mainly attracted by others financial statement, such as clothes and gadgets, parents always take individualism, personality, interests, future goals into account to build a relationship. It has also been scientifically proven that friends or couples who share similar interests achieve goals faster than others despite challenges.
On the other hand, being mostly reliant on parents in childhood may result in long-term disadvantages, such as lack of responsibility and critical-thinking abilities. This is because those skills shape in early childhood. This means teenagers, who have been deprived of self-autonomy in youth, do not feel a sense of accountability for their actions in their later life. Although many people ignore this factor, choosing friends independently and building interactions play a crucial role in each person’s life.
On a broader level, parents should just guide their children to distinguish wrong from right, allowing them to make decisions for themselves. By doing so, adolescents can learn from their mistakes as well as taking the responsibility for those wrongdoings. Experiences in friendship can be a pertinent example. If children prioritize superficial traits, such as appearance or popularity, when choosing friends, they might face disappointment when these relationships don’t hold up in difficult times.
In conclusion, whereas parents play a crucial role in instilling moral values through controlling their children’s social circle, I believe they should provide advice when necessary but ultimately allow children to learn from mistakes and exercise autonomy.