DEAR EDITOR:

I applaud Australia for not allowing children under 16 on any social media. Psychologists always say their brains are not mature enough to be an adult for everything they do. Shame on this generation of parents for even giving these kids a phone. What were you thinking? They didn’t pay for it!

Used to be “Why can’t I have a bike, Susie has one.” And my parents said, “If Susie jumps off a bridge, are you going to do it too​?” “You can’t always give children things. They will expect it the rest of their lives. This teaches them why bother working when “someone” will always give me what I want — usually a taxpayer! This teaches them nothing.

Americans hold $1 trillion total credit card debt, with Generation X carrying the highest per person. You need to be on a budget and live within your income. Sometimes you can’t always HAVE what you want but what your NEED comes first. NOT instant gratification.

Food, clothing and shelter first, not a new tattoo, the latest phone, the finest clothes, latest tennis shoes, artistic nails, etc. Think first!

RUTH LILLEY

Niles