What is the more acceptable scenario, an adolescent learning about life's less glamorous situations in the safety of their own home or possibly in harm's way at a party? At home it might come in the form of a novel. But in a party environment, it may lead to an adrenaline rush leaving the adolescent not fully comprehending the consequences of his or her actions. .
Novels dealing with Social realism issues are becoming more common (which they need to) for the better of the future of adolescents in this day and age.
Lately, the public eye has been drawn towards the debate of whether adolescents, teenagers 13 and upwards, should be reading social realism books, which can increase an adolescent's awareness about issues such as rape, domestic violence and the consequences that go with them. .
Experts have claimed in articles such as "Life sucks, Timmy" that social realism novels take away a teenager's innocence. Surely the purpose of such novels is to prevent teenagers becoming involved in such situations and helping them to realise they shouldn't take part in them. In other adolescent novels that are idealistic, there isn't any of those conflicts in which teenagers can learn from. The books are plainly escapism and adolescents aren't necessarily seeking that in a book. Thus social realism novels are beneficial for teenagers to read.
Social realism books tell it like it is. They don't sugarcoat every situation, as thought life is a fantasy. They deal with situations that can happen to modern day teenagers. Many highlight the situations that teenagers can be exposed to and the consequences of that involvement. For example, the distress of being raped or the severe punishment if you commit such an evil crime. Why should adults have the right of choosing novels that the adolescents can and can't read. If today's adolescents grow up thinking life is one big fairytale then when they become the age in which they can make a difference and take action against conflicts, they wont, because they wont even be aware in what is happening unless they are told now.
