It’s one thing to let them make bad decisions that are valuable in teaching life’s lessons that will not cause permanent harm.
This is a totally different level and it IS part of a parent’s job to protect their children from making foolish, life altering/damaging decisions that they are not mature enough to make on their own.
They are teens, for crying out loud. That almost qualifies them for being mentally ill. Something about all those hormones interferes with rational thought.
Exactly! THIS is why responsible parents carefully the activities that are appropriate for children.
My kids were not allowed to date until after 16, were not allowed to get a tattoo, smoke, drink alcohol (other than the occasional sip of wine or beer), curse, etc. etc.
Behaviors (decisions) have consequences. Good parents protect their offspring from the consequences of bad ones; and they certainly don’t encourage them.