Averting teens are monsters

I'm writing a stageplay about high schoolers that averts/subverts the typical Award Bait inspirational tradgedies that have become prevalent. Entire plots hinge on teenagers being evil, and as someone who used to be a teenager, it really rubs me the wrong way.

That said, I don't want it to come across as too idyllic and unrealistic, as I know life isn't perfect. Any tips on how to avoid it?

Make their motivations valid, even if it involves lack of empathy on their part. Give us a reason to understand them.

edited 29th Aug '13 12:31:55 PM by MrAHR

Thing is in some cases Teens Are Monsters is real, and the more vile they are in fiction the more accurate it is for real life. But if you're concerned about going too over the top or unrealistic here are a few things to look at.

• Lack of empathy as was suggested: This is a common one I have found where they just do not understand the consequences of their actions.

• Worst is they do understand and they get off on it. Maybe it is a case of being influenced too much by someone or something, particularly if that is a bad influence (this is where you can pull New Media Are Evil if you wanted to.)

• Broken homes is a very real, very common reason why some Teens Are Monsters. They have a bad home life and try to escape it, they commit the atrocities because there is nothing else for them outside of prison and they are better looked after there, or most tragically of all it is seen as the family way. One social worker said when dealing with real life teens how some basically felt, "Mum and dad went to prison, all my uncles and aunts have been, now it's my turn." No joke.

• Boredom. In a economically or socially depressed area this would be one reason, they are looking for some excitement and see bashings, committing crimes, as a way to get it. Like the second example they get off on it, not hurting others as such but how daring they can be, the risk of being caught and beating the law.