Morality was once held to such a standard that unethical actions weren’t accepted. Repercussions were taken more serious, and self worth was the way of one’s future. Over the years, these values have been lost. In a society where temptation is held above every teenagers head, staying on the “right” path is often hard.

As the way of society transitions once again, are the parents of this generation confused on how to respond? The phrase, “They don’t know any better” has been drastically changed by society.

Parents use this term today when teenagers abuse substances or flaunt their sexual orientation, but years ago it meant a teenager receiving a bad test grade or talking back. Morals today are not what they used to be.

High school is a place most commonly known as a time for teenagers to figure out who they are and who they want to become. Along with finding one’s self identity comes social hardships. Students face daily pressure to fit in with the majority and to become recognized.

From girls wearing provocative clothing to guys using vulgar language when describing them, it is easily proven that we are living in a new generation.

“When I was growing up, my parents were very strict. My family lived by the phrase ‘what’s right is right what’s wrong is wrong’,” Judy Fabrizius said.

Why are girls pressured to dress in a more sensual light? Most would answer that it’s to get noticed. Self worth has been taken to an all time low.

“Since decades ago, teenagers always have pushed the boundaries. Every generation always is horrified by the next,” Richard Burchell said.

Girls flaunting their bodies and teasing the boys in attempt to get guys to see them in a different light completely strays away from the olden days of modest clothing and flirtatious conversations.

Conservation amongst teens has banished.

“By 2001, the number of Americans who took the conservative stance was leveling off at 38 percent, but the percentage of those embracing the liberal, progressive position was up to 60 percent. The numbers were relatively flat in 2011, with 60 percent accepting premarital sex and 36 percent continuing to call it immoral,” Terry Mattingly reported to Desert News.

Anyone paying attention to the moral math could see the trend.

So, is society to blame for the way the new generations acts or are we responsible? It is clear that we control our own portrayal of ourselves.

Teenagers are bombarded with media images that sustain a society with a lack of morals.

Even in the midst of negative images, there are examples where society is screaming out for social morality. It’s evident in social media.             One of the most common sayings back in the day was, “Just because you can say it, doesn’t mean you should say it.” This is where the idea of self responsibility is evident.

“You may feel guilty because you violated your own ethical or moral code, such as cheating, lying or stealing. Guilt over your own behavior can also be caused by doing something you swore you would never do again,” Susan Krauss Whitbourne, Ph.D. from Psychology Today, said.

Excuses are the primary source for the madness amongst teens. We live in a world where an excuse can be a way to put off disciplinary actions.

Everyone has a chance. A chance to decide who they are going to be. How one chooses to     represent themselves is in their own hands.

“I tell my children to be happy. Don’t regret the day,” Fabrizius said.