I really don’t understand kids these days. When I say “kids” I’m referring to the ages of about 5 to 15.

A lot has changed since I was a kid. I probably sound like a grandma saying that — I realize I am 19 years young — but since 1992 a lot has changed, from clothing to television shows to electronics.

I remember when “Scooby-Doo” and “Rocket Power” were the cartoons on Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon. Now they’ve even begun to incorporate reality TV shows on these kids channels with shows such as “Victorious” and “iCarly.”

Kids focus on what they see in these shows: skinny, pretty girls and good-looking guys with all the new technology (i.e. iPods, laptops, nice cars, etc.), and think that is what they have to be like in order to be popular or “cool.”

Most of today’s kids are stick thin, applying makeup and begging for society’s newest and best technologies. Instead of Hit Clips, they want an iPod. And no more walkie-talkies, they must have the latest cell phones.

They live in a fast-paced society where they are forced to grow up quicker than ever before, so 10-year-olds are acting like they’re 18.

Parents give them everything they want — cellphones, clothes, responsibility, freedom — all at such a young age. I saw a girl the other day who couldn’t have been more than 8 years old who had a nicer cell phone than me.

I’m not saying my generation wasn’t spoiled as well, but things are getting ridiculous. I didn’t get a cellphone until my freshman year of high school. Why does an 8-year-old need one? Shouldn’t her parents or some sort of guardian be with her at all times anyway?

That’s one of the biggest issues. Kids at a young age are being allowed out on their own. Going to the mall, movies, even to Kent State’s own ice skating rink until late at night without parental supervision.

It is good that they have cellphones since they are being let loose on their own, especially at night, but I don’t think that much freedom should be allowed for such small children.

Kids these days really don’t know how easy they have it, but I’m sure that was said about my own generation as well. I guess it just gets easier and easier for children with each generation, but honestly, I think most kids these days are spoiled brats.