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The facts and figures
Students who get $21 to $60 in pocket money a week: 1.6 times more likely to have used drugs in the past 12 months than students with less than $20 to spend each week.
Students who get more than $60 to spend each week: 1.9 times more likely to have used drugs in the past 12 months than students with less than $20 to spend each week.
Some 11-15 year olds are purchasing alcohol. Some are drinking to excess.
What is the cause and what is the effect? Can we use an appeal to common sense?
People need money to buy drugs and alcohol. The more money they have the more likely they are to indulge in drugs if they are inclined to do so.
Do you know any real-life examples? Is there anyone you know who has too much pocket money?
What have you noticed?
My friend, Bob, receives $22 from his parents every week to spend at the shop. However, he is very careless; he often loses his money and then he blames his friends for stealing it. Or he gives it to an older friend to buy him cigarettes at the local store which he then distributes to his friends. This causes a lot of conflict and resentment among his friends.
Barry Smitho’s story at school. Drugs are not cool; however, teenagers love to boast about drinking.
What are opponents likely to say?
People who approve of pocket money may that it teaches children to value money; it also gives them a sense of independence and freedom.
How can you criticise this viewpoint?
If children receive pocket money too easily or if they receive too much they will not value it.
(Example of my friend, Bob.)
Sample Paragraph/Essay
Introduction: There have been disturbing incidents recently of children as young as 12 who have been smoking or drinking alcohol. Many commentators believe that the cause of such anti-social behaviour lies in a child’s access to pocket money. It is therefore critical that a child’s access to money is restricted. If they do receive pocket money, it must be earned and it must be carefully supervised by parents or it can lead to poor behaviour and tension among friends.
First point: Students should not get pocket money, or it should be severely restricted, because they are likely to spend it inappropriately. It is clearly evident that students who have pocket money are more likely to indulge in anti-social activities. According to statistics, the more disposable funds students have the more likely they are to spend it on drugs or alcohol. For example, students who get $21 to $60 in pocket money a week are 1.6 times more likely to have used drugs in the past 12 months than students with less than $20 to spend each week. Also, students who get more than $60 to spend each week: 1.9 times more likely to have used drugs in the past 12 months than students with less than $20 to spend each week. Therefore if students receive pocket money, it is critical that they do not receive more than $10. Surely there is an obvious connection!
Second point: In addition, pocket money can cause friction among students and lead to arguments. Quite frequently, students use pocket money to buy treats for particular friends and often use this to make others feel excluded. My friend, Bob, receives $22 from his parents every week to spend at the shop. However, he is very careless; he often loses his money and then he blames his friends for stealing it, or he gives it to an older friend to buy him cigarettes at the local store which he then distributes to his friends. This causes a lot of conflict and resentment among his friends.
Rebuttal: Some people believe that students should have pocket money because it gives children independence and it teaches them the value of money. (Counter punch; how can you criticise this view?) However, if students receive pocket money without any effort or purpose, they will become spoilt and have a careless attitude towards money. Therefore if they do receive pocket money it must be supervised and they must earn it. It is important that children earn pocket money and that they complete chores, otherwise, they will become lazy. They will not learn to value their purchases and they will not realise that they need to be responsible with their money.
Conclusion: Children are more likely to become involved in anti-social activities such as smoking or drinking alcohol if they are showered with pocket money. There have been reports of children indulging in drugs, which can be attributed to children’s access to pocket money. It is therefore critical that students should not have pocket money unless it is reduced to $10 per week. Children need to be aware of their responsibilities and perhaps be encouraged to save.
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