Never mind the over 70's how the hell do I get my 16 yr old to stay away from people ?

[Newyearnewarse]

Teens think they are immune to danger as it is. They are also in the middle of an education nightmare. They really need each others support and some sense of normality.
But we are all being told to socially isolate.
But they see the pubs and restaurants open still.
And up until the end of today they have been left in school with hundreds of people.
And it doesn't help that they are constantly told it doesn't really affect the young.

I know this is hard for everyone and in an ideal world every teenager would be compliant and understanding and obedient but ……..

Are there any over 70s or immunsuppressed people he loves? That includes any pregnant older sister/ cousin/ friend's sister.

I used to teach teens and now work with young aduöts with learning disabilities and other issues, and I have my own teen, 12 year old and primary child.

With a few exceptions usually due to neurological diversity or psychiatric problems the overwhelming majority of teenagers are very much capable of empathy, in fact more so than most adults ime. The key is many of them need things brought into focus for them by making theoretical danger "real".

Talk about someone "real" to him who people socialising are putting at risk. Bring it close to home.

You parent. That’s how. My friends 20 year old son said he was going out. She took his house key and said that’s fine but he needs to find somewhere else to live for at least two weeks as he won’t be coming back to the house. He stayed in. If your child won’t do the right thing of their own accord then it’s time for tough love.

I have teens and they will not be not be going out to socialise although I know they are tempted. They seem to get it as we have several family members who have conditions that make them vulnerable. Unfortunately a lot of their peers seem to be having busier social lives than ever - the social distancing advice is not getting through to them. They feel invincible and are more interested in talking about conspiracy theories rather than following guidance. There will apparently be loads of school leavers going to the pubs this afternoon...

I’m dreading my ds coming home from this weekend as I know he’s going to be wanting to go out to see friends and he’s a stubborn so and so. I’m going to do as someone above suggested and hide all the keys. Also il tell him if he ignores us he will have to go to stay alone at his grans house (she is isolating at her partners place) and go it alone!
I’m going to be having a very serious chat with him at any rate.

We have had many chats about it , and after school shuts today I have said that he will have to stay home.

But it is not easy.

My other son is younger so is doing remote learning.
My 16 year old has had his life turned upside down and doesn't even have revision to keep him occupied.

@anothernotherone we don't have any one in that category but that doesn't mean he won't listen to that argument. I am not saying he won't do it and we won't make him do it. It is more that it is really tricky when he can see adults buggering about in pubs.

I think it will come to a lockdown situation soon and I wish they would just get on with it. He is struggling with everything that is going on at the moment and just wants some 'normal' back in his life.

My dd's school helped with this. The headmistress sent a message directed at youth from the health minister here (we are abroad) telling them about their specific role in helping to flatten the peak.

Meant to add yesterday that it is all really difficult. It's one time that social media comes in to its own I suppose. Good luck op