Role models for today's teenagers

 Dubai: With today's generation of teens bombarded with symbols and ideas of popular global culture, experts say surroundings can have a significant impact on who they choose as role models.

Sociologist Dr Rima Sabban said role models are “essential'' in a child's growth and young people tend to imitate those they like in every sense — especially attributes that stand out in a role model's personality.

It is natural for role models to change over time, said Dr Rima. “However, in some cases some children and youngsters today are affected by who they choose as a role model to the extent that they experience an identity struggle and loss of self-confidence.''

According to Dr Rima, the Arab world is lacking role models and “heroes'' for children to look up to. In the UAE there many successful business figures who serve as role models, but there need to be family-oriented figures who are “modern, yet clearly identify with their culture''.

Sense of social obligation

According to Dubai-based psychologist Linda Sakr, role models generally possess characteristics like a sense of obligation towards society, compassion, courage and strength. But, as someone who comes into frequent contact with young people, she says that more children are placing celebrities on a pedestal, replacing traditional role models.

“I find that boys tend to identify with David Beckham, which can be positive, as Beckham does not promote drinking alcohol as it interferes with his performance,'' she said. “Girls on the other hand [are identifying] with the likes of Britney Spears and Paris Hilton [who are] not necessarily portrayed as ... good [citizens].''

However, according to Linda, there is no real “mystery'' surrounding the way in which children are behaving today.

“They are doing what society around them is defining as ‘cool' and ‘in','' she told Gulf News. “I feel that [more and more] young people are identifying with celebrities as this offers them a sense of escapism from their daily lives.''

As such, parents have to “learn to be role models in a changing world, preserving a value system that is honourable and lasting'', she said. “Our children are looking up to us to provide this leadership by example.''

Vox pop

"Looking up to celebrities can be really misleading, because no matter what they do they can't be true examples.

"I have had more than one role model in my life, but honestly I look up to my father who worked hard, started from scratch, never complained and kept a beautiful smile on his face. All he wanted was to be a good human being."
Ahmad Al Eisa
Assistant professor of English, American University of Sharjah
"As a counsellor I feel it is important to have a role model for five reasons: it motivates us, reminds us of our goals, enhances personality development, fires our imagination and helps us shape who we are.

"A true role model should be honest, should set an example, be open to change, intelligent, courageous, confident and have knowledge. Today's teenagers do what they want and follow whom they like. They base it on liking not on importance."
Tanima Banerjee
Student counsellor, American University of Sharjah

"I do not have a role model ... I think for other people, especially teenagers who are wannabes, they just imitate celebrities, try to dress like them and be like them when in fact it is all a fantasy. Some of these celebrities may even have negative effects on teenagers, especially if they are on drugs or if they smoke."
Shanna Thomas
Student, Mahatma Gandhi University, Dubai

"My dad is my role model. I look at how he lives his life... he works for both the future and the ending. He is a straight man and is willing to help people in need. I think in the teenage years, kids are just out there imitating who looks cool and different, but this also passes. Now we have Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears... teens dress like them, go clubbing like them... why should a person imitate or look up to someone who has done nothing in his life for humanity?"
Louai Khairi
Student, University of Wollongong, Dubai

"My father because he has gone through a lot in his personal and professional life until he got to where he is now. I learned a lot from him... I learned the meaning of responsibility, how to deal with people around me...I learned from his personality. I do not see anything positive in people following celebrities and trying to be like them. The clothing, the behaviour... all wrong."
Abdul Kareem Saeed
Student, Alhosn University

Have your say
Who is your role model? And why? Do you think increased media exposure is changing the way young people perceive role models? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com or fill in the comments form below.