DEAR ABBY: I am 16 years old. I have no life. My parents won't let me out of the house because they are always afraid that something is going to happen to me. I live five miles outside of Reno, and I haven't been to town in two weeks. Every Saturday morning they both go into town, but they refuse to take me with them. My mom has blocked off all calls to my friends and from them.
What should I do? -- PRISONER IN RENO, NEV.
DEAR PRISONER: If your parents are doing this as a form of discipline, it is certainly not child abuse. However, if you are being isolated for no good reason, discuss it with a trusted teacher or a school counselor, because your parents' concern for your safety seems excessive.