Friday Afternoons: A Breeding Ground for Underage Drinking and Misbehavior, Says Youth

A One News SVG photograph of a section of Richmond Hill Road. This photo is not related to this opinion piece.

The views expressed herein are solely those of the writer

As the 2025–2026 academic year commences in less than a week, students across the country are preparing to return to the classroom. With them, will return the routines, behaviors, and cultural practices.
One particular pattern demands greater attention: how our young people are spending their time after school especially on Friday afternoons.

A trend has taken root at a well-known commercial establishment with multiple locations. On Fridays, roughly between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., large groups of students gather at these spots. What might appear to be mere socializing has in some cases become a breeding ground for underage drinking, possible verbal and physical altercations, indecent exposure, and other inappropriate behaviors.

Although these businesses are conveniently located near major bus stops (making them natural gathering points), their proximity does not justify misuse. They were not built to serve as unofficial after-school hangouts and certainly not as unsupervised spaces for these behaviors.

To fully understand the gravity of the issue raised, let’s explore three areas that can be negatively impacted:

1. The Spiritual Impact

As a young believer, I’ve come to understand the subtle yet powerful ways in which our environments shape us spiritually. At many of these gatherings, alcohol and loud, often explicit music are common elements. While some may dismiss these as harmless teen indulgences, they often serve as gateways to deeper, destructive behavior.

Young people are not just choosing to hang out, they are unconsciously forming habits and identities in spaces that normalize escapism over growth, indulgence over intention. We must guide them to see that their worth and purpose go beyond temporary thrills.

2. The Decline of Moral Standards

From a moral standpoint, this trend reflects a growing societal tolerance for this type of behavior. Students—often still in uniform—are being seen drinking, using profane language, and engaging in inappropriate conduct in full public view. The issue at hand isn’t just about youthful rebellion; it’s about the signals we send as a society.

Our young people are future leaders and innovators of society. Their actions matter—not just to their personal development but to the communities they represent. When disrespect becomes normalized and boundaries blur, the long-term consequences are societal as much as they are personal.

3. The Potential Economic Effects

Beyond moral and spiritual impacts, the issue carries economic consequences. Businesses that become informal gathering points for unsupervised teens often suffer. Most of these students are loiterers not customers. Their presence can discourage paying customers through parking and walking inaccessibility.

For our local commerce to thrive, we must ensure that these areas remain safe, accessible, and family-friendly.

What Can We Do?

This is not a problem for one group to solve alone. It requires a community-wide response rooted in compassion and collaboration.

Spiritual Guidance

Faith-based organizations must extend their reach beyond Sunday mornings. Churches, youth ministries, and mentors have a vital role to play in shaping identity, purpose, and discipline in young people. Through intentional relationships and practical outreach, we can remind youth of their value and calling.

Community and School Engagement

Schools and communities must continue to provide structured, positive alternatives during after-school hours. From extracurricular programs to community centers, we need spaces that offer both supervision and inspiration. Schools should also consider reinforcing behavioral expectations that extend beyond the classroom.

Business and Policy Support

Businesses can partner with local authorities and community groups to create respectful boundaries. This may include increasing security, setting reasonable curfews, or even initiating teen engagement programs. These are not punitive measures but protective ones.

On A Personal Note

As someone who once walked in those very shoes, who limed, experimented, made mistakes, and faced the consequences — I speak not from a place of judgment, but from experience and
concern. I know what it is to chase the temporary pleasures, only to be met with emptiness and confusion. However, I also know what it is to find purpose and transformation in Christ.

To my fellow Gen Zers: you were made for more than distractions and survival. You carry potential, influence, and brilliance. Don’t trade that for empty moments that leave you emptier still. Choose purpose.