I have become increasingly concerned with the number of young people I have seen drinking in and around the Borehamwood area.
Last night I saw two lads, aged probably around 15, drinking vodka, straight, from the bottle. Regardless of the anti-social behaviour problems that are likely to come from this, I am also actually worried about what they are doing to their health.
The thing is, I don’t know what I can do about it.
I am in Year 9 at school and I have had some problems with my friends because of the way I like to dress.
On a weekend I wear black clothes and lots of make up, because I like to be a goth. I have never had a problem before with anyone thinking it was strange, and although my parents do not really like it they let me do what I want and express myself as I wish.
But now I am getting problems at school because some people have started picking on me after they saw me in town.
I am 16 and about to do my GCSEs. I have done reasonably well at school and hope to get some Bs and Cs and hopefully an A or two if possible.
The problem I have is that I am not sure what to do next.
I have never really known what job I want to do, but I don't want to be forced into following my family business, a butcher shop, despite my parents wanting me to take over one day.
I am 13 years old and I am really worried that my friends are starting to get embarrased by me.
I know it sounds superficial but they all get lots of pocket money and their parents buy them really fashionable clothes.
But my parents don't give me enough money to buy my own clothes and when I go shopping with them, they don't let me buy the sort of things that my friends wear, so I end up looking really sad.
Our school has told us to set up a work experience placement for two weeks. I am really excited and want to make sure I go somewhere interesting and that will be useful for my future.
I am split between whether I want to work as a vet or an engineer in the future. My interests include mountain biking, animals and planes.
As I am not sure what I want to do for a career I want to pick somewhere that will let me learn general things about the world of work.
Recently I have been a bit fed up with my mates. All they do is sit around drinking cider and leering at women. I don’t mind just chilling out, but I am sure we are going to get into trouble eventually. Sometimes after a few drinks they start getting rough with each other and pushing about.
Next year I want to go to college and do my exams, I don’t want to just be on the dole like everyone else round here.
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Agony aunt Laura Langmead, Chief Inspector Mark Hunter and youth support worker Louise Jones answer your questions about issues affecting young people.
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Laura Langmead Teenager Laura mentors fellow students at her school
Chief Inspector Mark Hunter Mark Hunter is the Chief Inspector for Hertsmere, and is based at Borehamwood Police Station.
Louise Jones Louise is a youth work manager for Hertfordshire
