New research into the adolescent brain shows that it does not fully mature until the age of 25. The one to happen last is the decision-making process. So, till the age of 25 or thereabouts our kids need some mature advice and guidance.

But this cannot include telling them: “Don’t go to college. You will fall into debt, boozing and spendthrifting.” That is blasphemous.

Colleges must be “student-friendly”. That phrase should refer to the facilities that should be available to make education meaningful. It means constant interaction between teachers and the taught, the influence of faculty, staff or safety officers, and authority that is visible and firm. Sadly, the phrase is mis-interpreted and made an excuse for lack of rules and their implementation. It is not the concept that is at fault.

You cannot treat kids just out of school as adults. We cannot open the gates and expect them to stay inside. Some of the high-school rules must continue here with freedom enough to help them make informed choices. They must be schooled to use their freedoms responsibility and the college campus is the place for it.

Effort must be taken to channel their energies the right way. Colleges have done it successfully. They have put peer pressure to good use. They have exerted non-obtrusive supervision. The emphasis should be on good behavior and hard work at academics.

There should be remedial courses for those who need extra help. And of course, there should be stricter time limits for obtaining degrees. Why should they have “free time” in college? Students expect strict rules. That’s when they feel cared for. They view such institutions, contrary to what they say, with respect.

For those who lag academically, there are online coaching facilities. Why should a student feel he/she is incapable of getting a degree? It is for the adults to tell students the benefits of getting a degree and the need to work hard for it.