I was sitting in the city, chilling to a good cuppa flat white, silently observing my surroundings. It was nice, peaceful and relaxing, other than the occasional pigeon landing on my table trying to peck at my delish bagel.

To my right were two teenage boys, probably around 14-15 years of age. I was quite taken aback by their conversation. One of them was smoking, definitely under the legal age. They were talking about booze, alcohol and parties. Hitting on girls (they weren't lookers) and stuff like that. And from their accent, most likely Indos. I'm surprised, although i know i shouldn't be in this day and age. But its quite scary, wouldn't want my kids to be partying with booze & smokes at that age.

I turned to my left and saw another buncha teens, on average I would say 14-15 years of age as well. All smoking. There was one in particular that caught my attention, i was quite sure that she looked like she was only 12 or so. She has youth & underaged printed all over her, yet there she was smoking and hugging this guy who looked like he was 18. *shudders* what are kids coming to?

I don't assume it was any better during my time, but I guess its a lot more common now than it was back then. Its freaky how the younger generation are developing, ever so eager to be older than they are. I suppose we really only treasure our youth once we lose it. From then, there's no turning back.

But why is it that kids simply want to grow up so fast? 14 year olds dressing to look like they're 21, taking up smoking and drinking like that supposedly makes them look "grown up" and mature. The only thing it makes them look is tacky. What ever happened to being merely a kid and enjoying the simplicity of life that comes with it? Has the child-like innocence and endearing qualities been lost?

I understand that times change and generations never remain the same, but the change is oddly disturbing and no one seems to give two hoots about it. I read an article in The Western Australia that in the next 10 years, smoking will be almost completely non-existent. Where are these people getting their information from? I see more people smoking, not quitting. So what's the deal with that?

Its not just about trying something for the fun of it anymore. Neither is it "just a passing phase". Its a "requirement" in teens, a normality to grow up with. Peer pressure could just be an excuse. Correct me if i'm wrong.

I just fear for the future generations. The next thing we know, marijuanna, esctasy & all sorts of drugs will be widely consumed and used, and become a normality of life. I'm quite then, that all of us will close one eye to and swallow the strange developement of our younger generations.