Teenage Behavior Problems

CEBU, Philippines — Experts say that today’s teenagers are highly at risk of behavioral problems, which, if not addressed in the early stages, can pose great harm to their overall development. There have been studies that show that abnormal teenage behaviors often end up in delinquency. As is widely known, juvenile delinquency negatively affects the wellbeing of the individual concerned in particular and the society in general.

Behavioral problems of teenagers, once these begin to occur, are often first felt at home. Problematic teenagers are often in conflict with their parents, as well as with their siblings. Little matters become the cause of big arguments and lingering bad blood among family members.

How does this ugly scenario come about? Some behavior professionals look to social media and communication devices. Technology is a boon and a bane; while it brings advantages, there are also disadvantages.

The use of social media and communication gadgets is not bad per se. But considering how engaging these modern technologies are, teenagers are most likely to use these to excess. It can, in fact, lead to addiction and can greatly impact the attitude and lifestyle of the young ones. Also, as regards to social media, teenagers often exhibit reckless behavior online (because it’s not face-to-face interaction) and end up falling victims to negative elements.

The problematic behaviors of teenagers cannot be solely blamed on the internet, of course. But this amazing technology is a significant contributor, for sure. It fans the flames of old teenage problems like drugs, alcohol, and sex.

Once young people acquire these bad habits, it’s very difficult to rid themselves of these. When parents have the slightest clue that their kids are indulging in dubious activities, they shall conduct counseling at once or seek assistance from an expert. In the first place, parents shall ensure regular communication with their kids to regulate the kids’ activities as closely as possible.

Teenagers are in an unpredictable phase of life. Their youthful energies are exploding, and their bodies and minds are constantly seeking for release or gratification. The most obvious signs of the dilemma are frequent mood swings.

Parents may witness their teenage kids getting cranky and happy erratically. Yet, while this can seem alarming or irritating, parents shall try to keep calm. And they shall do their best to help their kids cope with these mood fluctuations. More so, mood swings are said to be indicators of depression at times, so parents shall keenly observe the frequency and gravity of the kids’ mood swings. If depression is suspected, professional help shall be sought.

Lying is another teenage behavior that freaks parents out. When parents observe that their nice kids are suddenly lying most of the time, they begin to imagine the worst things. Behavior experts explain that teenage is the phase where the person is trying to figure out one’s individual self, friends, family and the world, and this course of learning may instill in him or her a sense of fear and insecurity, and a natural consequence of this is frequent reliance on lies.

Again, open communication between the parents and their kids is very important. Kids aren’t likely to lie as much when they know that their parents are okay to hear the truth. And parents shall also bear in mind that the kids’ lying once in a while is normal.

Many teenagers display aggressive behavior, both verbally and physically. In such case, the kids’ parents shall check out the root of the misdemeanor and do something about it.  The behavior can be due to many reasons – low self-esteem, being a victim of bullying, peer pressure, unfavorable home environment etc.

It is important that parents do not over-react to their kids’ behavior problems. Instead, they shall try to offer support. Most of the time, displaying problematic behavior is not a child’s way to spite his or her parents – but a sign that he or she is going through a difficult time.