So many teenagers are tugged left and right, battled over by feuding parents during a divorce. Custody battles can ruin high school and junior high years for a child who has become “the prize of the battle” and is not given a choice of their own.

Being a teenager is the step before adulthood. “If you want children to keep their feet on the ground, put some responsibility on their shoulders.” said Abigail Van Buren, an advice columnist.

Teenagers are expected to act as responsible adults and be mature citizens, while at the same time they are given no choices of their own. As the rate of divorced families in America increases, teenagers’ freedom to choose is becoming a more and more pressing issue. It is nearly impossible for a child, mature as they may be, to be given the freedom to choose between their parents’ houses once courts are involved.

Although it may be argued that children need both parents if possible to have a healthy childhood, teenagers know more than ever what is and is not healthy. Schools have overemphasized types of unhealthy relationships and taught students from a young age about various types of abuse. There are not enough ways for a child or teenager to get out of an unhealthy situation unless they have scars and bruises from a parent. Physical abuse is not the only type of abuse and emotional or verbal abuse are just as inimical to a teenager’s well being.

As children enter adulthood, they should be independent and make decisions for themselves. The unfairness of a court making the decision of where they will live hinders them from that and can potentially leave them stuck in a bad situation. Teens have been well educated and deserve the opportunity to take control of their own life and happiness.

“If you would have your son to walk honorably through the world, you must not attempt to clear the stones from his path, but teach him to walk firmly over them-not insist upon leading him by the hand, but let him learn to go alone.” Anne Bronte said.