Insight

Teen romance: You could be digging your academic grave

I had to get a girlfriend,” 16 year-old James Mazimpaka says before adding, “I had such strong feelings for her and I couldn’t control myself.” He, however, admits that a relationship may have done more harm than good to him because his performance in class declined consistently, yet he cannot be entirely blamed for his actions.  According to a study by researchers Furman and Shaffer in 2003, a romantic relationship is an important element in an adolescent’s life. Teenagers spend much of their time thinking, talking, and engaging in romantic relationships. Strong positive or negative emotions in teenagers are more commonly caused by romantic relationships as opposed to other kinds of relationships or aspects of their lives. 
A student may not concentrate in class if his boyfriend or girlfriend is unwell. PHOTO BY TIMOTHY KISAMBIRA
A student may not concentrate in class if his boyfriend or girlfriend is unwell. PHOTO BY TIMOTHY KISAMBIRA
Elizabeth Buhungiro