Michelle McHugh (17), Ardara, Co Donegal:My family will be away for two weeks during the summer, but they have no problem with me staying at home. My parents have always tried to give me freedom and independence, as well as the opportunity to set my own boundaries. Yes, I will have a few friends over when the family is away, just people I know and trust, to keep me company.

Teenagers definitely get a bad press, and when parents read the headlines about extreme parties, the ones like on Skins [ a Channel 4 programme], it's not surprising that they're frightened. It gives us all a bad name, and that's not fair because me and my friends are really responsible. We know how to go out and have a good time and look after each other - but that's never going to make the headlines.

Sheelan Yousefizadeh (16), Dublin:I will be joining my parents on holiday this year. The only time I have ever travelled without my family was on a recent school trip to Barcelona. It was brilliant - but there was no question of breaking the rules.

Doing something like sneaking alcohol along on the trip would just ruin the experience. I came to Ireland from Iran five years ago, and it took some time to understand the relationships between teenagers and their parents here. I suppose I don't get as much independence as some of my friends. I ask permission more, and I always let my mum know where I am.

Markus Knutsson (16), Mallow, Co Cork:I won't be going away with my family this summer - I'll be spending as much time as possible working in a local café so I can raise money to go to plenty of gigs. I have a grand relationship with my mum, I'm always honest with her, and she knows she can trust me when she's away. I do go to parties where there is a good bit of drink, but out of 15 people, only one or two would drink to a level where they would pass out. Most people know enough to control themselves.

Philip Martin (14), Belfast:I hate the way people assume all teenagers are out to cause trouble, and just want to get drunk all the time. When I went into a computer shop last week, the security guard told me to put my hood down because it looked threatening. That made me feel really embarrassed and guilty, but I hadn't done anything wrong.

I know I'm too young to be left at home alone for days at a time, but my mum and dad are allowing me to stay at home this summer while they are at work, rather than go to the summer scheme. If I show them I can do that, maybe they will give me a bit more freedom next year.

Michelle, Sheelan and Markus all contribute to www.spunout.ie, Ireland's national youth website

FM