Love between a man and a woman is special. In today’s time of technological development, the world is becoming ‘closer’, in a sense that distance no longer seems so far. Close and special friendships can successfully be maintained, despite hundreds, or even thousands of kilometres separating these two people. The question that we shall look at today is whether students falling in love during high school or even younger should be encouraged. The conflicting opinions surrounding this topic will be discussed below.
Some will think negatively towards school aged romance, especially parents and older people. They consider that falling in love at a young age may adversely affect a student's learning. When one meets someone special, many hours are spent chatting, calling, texting or going out with their sweetheart. Parents and teachers may think that this time would be better spent studying, whether at home or in class. Many young people stay up late ‘talking’ to their boyfriend or girlfriend. This lack of sleep can affect students’ learning outcomes.
Development in Vietnam over the past ten to twenty years has increased dramatically, including technological advances. It is easier today for people to find out about what is happening in the rest of the world. Young people especially love technology, and want to use it as much as possible. Today’s youth want to be popular, however they may not have the maturity and experience to realise that the internet is a ‘public’ place, where photos, videos and text cannot be removed. This may unfortunately make young people, especially girls, fall victim to people with not so good intentions. Students may also see an idea on the internet and adopt it, such as public displays of affection. They must realise that despite Vietnam developing as a nation, it is still in general a conservative society.
Students who have a boyfriend or girlfriend believe that they are happier for meeting such a special person. Spending time with someone who means so much to you increases one’s mood enormously. They see the positives in sharing special times together, helping each other through tough periods at school, as well as assisting each other with the general challenges that adolescence brings. It is reassuring to know that someone will be there for you to encourage and comfort you in times of need.
Having a school age love can be beautiful and meaningful. Students should be allowed to experience this time of happiness without suppression from elder members of society. They must however be careful not to step over the line, as to what is acceptable in today’s society, as well as not put themselves at risk of being a venerable victim.