Tonight, like every night but maybe just a little more, I ask you to open your eyes and listen closely to what\u2019s happening outside.<\/p>\n\n
Teenagers who are just looking for reasons to party went out today to celebrate the transition to a new calendar year.<\/p>\n\n
Some of them crossed the threshold from childhood into early adolescence while the pandemic was at its peak, so they didn\u2019t get to experience many social situations, self-organized parties, or meetings with peers of the opposite sex.<\/p>\n\n
They are very (very!) thirsty for connection, eager to be grown-up and cool, but it\u2019s not certain they know how to behave in a way that also considers their own safety and the safety of those around them.<\/p>\n\n
That\u2019s why our role as adults\u2014even if we don\u2019t have kids in that age group\u2014is extremely important; sometimes it can even be crucial and life-changing.<\/p>\n\n
If you notice unusual activity, loud noises, or large gatherings around you\u2014be attentive and report to local authorities if needed, especially if you\u2019re unsure whether what\u2019s happening is safe for everyone involved.<\/p>\n\n
Don\u2019t stand by; if you find yourself in a place where behavior is inappropriate, excessive, risky, or even unpleasant for someone (sometimes just one look is enough to understand)\u2014stop and intervene.<\/p>\n\n
Often, a simple comment is enough to prevent an escalation that could end in disaster.<\/p>\n\n
Approach those who look vulnerable or hurt and offer help, respecting their wishes.<\/p>\n\n
If you\u2019re a parent of teens\u2014make sure they spend the evening in a safe and accessible place where they can reach you, and encourage them to contact you if something goes wrong or if they feel uncomfortable for any reason.<\/p>\n\n
Above all\u2014help them release the pressure of this day:<\/p>\n\n
Despite the drama, the countdown, and the desire to be part of the ritual\u2014it\u2019s absolutely not necessary to kiss tonight or rush to do anything else, especially not with just anyone. There\u2019s no deadline to meet, and the 2021 goals that weren\u2019t reached can wait for next year.<\/p>\n\n
Instead of rushing\u2014feel free to be a little disappointed together.<\/p>\n\n
You might be surprised how much teens view days like this as solid anchors in their lives.<\/p>\n\n
If you haven\u2019t talked about this yet, it\u2019s not too late to start today.<\/p>\n\n
Wishing us all safe and healthy days ahead\u2014more than in recent years, just like that, without summaries, drama, or too much formality.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Tonight, like every night, but perhaps a little more, I ask you to open your eyes and listen closely to what\u2019s happening outside.
\nTeenagers, just looking for reasons to celebrate, went out today to mark the transition to a new civil year.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":6470,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[133,145,147,117,146,148],"class_list":["post-6469","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1","tag-adolescence","tag-adolescence-2","tag-civil-year","tag-newyear","tag-parties","tag-safety"],"yoast_head":"