Demar Tracey, Outlook Youth Writer

Once again, Outlook Youth went into the streets to ask persons about what they should or should never do when they are placed in some of the most common situations

Scenario: Due to an emergency, your parents/guardians had to leave you home alone for an entire weekend. With three days at your disposal, it's expected that you ...

Should ...

Secure all entrances

"I would secure myself because I am a young female, which makes me a target for rapists. So, being by myself means more than just closing the doors, it means closing the windows as well."

- Latonia, 20

Get some rest

"Parents are always finding some work around the house for you to do, so when they are not home I won't even left a straw ... literally, and, of course, I have to sleep."

- Maurice, 20

Treat yourself

"That is when I can take a bubble bath, turn my radio up and just keep it real because I have nobody to trouble or force me to do otherwise."

- Keisha, 19

Use the time to reflect

"Nothing says you are free like being able to sort out our priorities without having any disturbance. I use situations like these to evaluate who my friends are and also to encourage myself."

- Jodenee, 21

But, you should never ...

Throw a party

"Throwing a party is out of the question, because nine out of 10 chances the neighbour will tell your parents what you did when they were away, and they would lose trust in you after that."

- Yolando, 20

Invite your significant other

"Making a move like that is never a good choice, because things may get out of hand and we will regret it in the long run. And depending on the person, it can lead to acquaintance rape."

- Tash, 19

Indulge in unhealthy practices

"Under no circumstances should you smoke, drink or use any form of drugs, especially when you are alone, that's dangerous!"

- Nastassia, 18

Spend every day on the phone

"You might feel all comfortable doing it at the time, but what's going to happen when the bill is to be paid?"

- Miguel, 21

Feedback:In this section, readers of Outlook Youth were asked to share their views on the magazine and about social issues in general. Here are some comments.

"I think that the introduction of a feedback section to the paper is an excellent idea. However, I think the section could be improved if the polls were done on a larger scale, because as it stands right now, it is obvious that one person will respond negatively and the other positively."

- Sean, 18

"The inclusion of a vox pox in the article 'Can sex spoil a relationship' was the best way to have written an article on such a controversial issue, because the writer (Latoya Campbell) could have simply speculated whether it did or not, so the vox pox showed the difference."

- Davian, 19

Have your say

The Iranian government has decided not to halt their uranium enrichment programme after three rounds of sanctions from the international community. President Mammouad Amadjenadad has also stated that neighbouring state, Israel, "should be wiped of the map". So, do you think that a nuclear-armed Iran could lead to the next world war?

"A great possibility exists in that happening becaus it's not proven, the United States seems convinced that their nuclear programme is entirely for the purposes of building a nuclear bomb. The U.S., being a superpower, gained support from its allies and Russia and Syria seem to be close with Iran, so anything is possible."

- Curtis, 22

"Well, if the world assumes that Iran is trying to build a nuclear bomb, and diplomacy seems to be reaping no success, then it's just a matter of time before the U.S. and the U.N. forces invade them. After all, they invaded Iraq for its oil, which was not a threat to no one."

- Sydney, 20

Please feel free to share your views about Outlook Youth by emailing your comments to demartracey@yahoo.com