Troubled Teens Overview

Troubled Teens Overview Related Information:

With so many incidents of teenagers shooting classmates and teachers, it is quite evident that there is a growing problem of teenagers with a lot of problems. Added to this there is the ever-present problem of teenagers abusing drugs and alcohol, causing them to have run-ins with the law. There is no one profile of a troubled teen, but many organizations have come up with a definition of the term “troubled teen”. It usually refers to a teenager who is disrespectful of others, unmotivated at school, does not appreciate anything that is done for him/her, refuses to take responsibility for his/her actions and generally hangs around with other teenagers who act the same way. These teenagers are typically from good homes with hard working parents who do everything they can for their children. Very often a teenager who does not fit any of these descriptions turns out to be one of the people who are often involved in violent crimes, so it is hard to write an accurate definition.

Many times teenagers are teased and tormented by their peers. Peer image and peer pressure is very important during adolescence and this often leads to depression. Teenagers sometimes turn to drugs and alcohol because of peer pressure and a desire to fit in and this leads to addiction. Teenagers today have a lot of information available to them through the Internet and if parents are not monitoring their viewing, it could lead to problems. Parents like to give their teenagers the benefit of the doubt and want to trust them and allow them more liberties. While this works wonders for some teenagers, others do not know what to do with the freedom and find themselves in trouble.

There are two types of troubled teens. The first type is very introverted and does not talk to very many people, especially adults. They eat lunch alone and are often the butt of other student’s jokes. Some teens can deal with this, while others seek revenge. The other type is extroverted and will speak openly about any ideas of violence and will fight back against his/her attackers. Parents need to establish communication with their teenage children and keep in contact with school authorities. When children do well in school, parents usually do not bother with contacting the teachers and therefore are often unaware that their child is having social problems. They are really surprised when something happens.

Depression is one of the unrecognized problems in teenagers. Just because they are young does not mean that they do not have stresses that seem too difficult to cope with. Very often the teen is seen as being angry or sullen and parents get angry with them for behaving in such as way. However, the risk of serious depression in teens is very great and can lead to suicide. No one knows why teenagers seem to be committing suicide in such high numbers and parents need to learn the signs of teen depression and get help for their child before it is too late.

On the other hand are the troubled teens that are monsters at home. The parents do not know how to deal with them and give them whatever they want. Most of the time these teens are just spoiled brats who want their own way. When they are with their friends or at other people’s houses they are wonderful children, making others wonder what the parents are talking about. Parents try everything to get them to change, but this is sometimes just a rebellious stage of adolescence that will pass. It is when these teenagers get into trouble with the law, that everyone becomes concerned.