Young people between 13 and 19 years old face real concerns daily. This growth stage exposes teenagers to some overwhelming internal and external struggles. The hormonal changes, parental and societal pressure, puberty, among other issues, can make them develop specific undesirable characteristics.
As a parent or guardian, you need to deal with such issues in a friendly manner.
The Common Challenges Faced by Teenagers and Solutions
Depression
It’s estimated that approximately 13% of adolescents in the U.S have depressive issues. This is according to the NIMH. Depression rates among teenagers keep on growing, and some researchers blame it on advanced technology.
Spending too much time online prevents young people from engaging in constructive activities such as sports. Teens also experience the fear of missing out, which can lead to depression. It also leads to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Treatment of depression depends on its severity. A combination of medication and psychotherapy can be an effective solution. If the depression case is severe, your teen might be forced to stay in a hospital.
You can also encourage them to participate in community-based activities.
More so, ensure the teens are getting enough sleep by taking away their screens and creating the right environment. Ensure the room is clear of clutter to boost the quality of sleep.
Sex Addiction
The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance data shows that approximately 40% of high school students are sexually active. However, it’s hard to label a young person a sex addict until you are sure.
In most cases, teens from troubled backgrounds or dysfunctional families don’t experience empathy. It makes them look for peace or empathy somewhere else. This can lead to the use of cocaine, alcohol and become compulsively sexual.
Talk to your teenager about sex and let them know its effects. Alternatively, you can opt for addiction counseling from experts.
Bullying
In 2017, about 20% of U.S teens experienced bullying. The rise of social media use is one of the leading causes of bullying. Today, cyberbullying is rampant among youths.
Bullying causes physical, emotional, and psychological distress. Bullied teens experience fear, low self-esteem, and anxiety. Some even struggle academically and experience mental health issues.
Ensure you discuss bullying with your teen and let them know what to do when they get bullied. Be proactive and help your child to understand how and when to report a bullying case. Let them know seeking help is not a sign of weakness.
Social Media Use
Social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook are great ways to connect, but they can be problematic for many reasons. Social media can expose your child to slut-shaming and cyberbullying.
It can also affect friendship and their mental health. Teens also get exposed to sexual content, unsavory individuals, and distasteful images.
Help your child navigate and use social media in a healthy way. Please educate yourself about websites and apps being used by teens to know what they’re doing online.
The Bottom Line
Having a sensitive conversation with your teen can feel uncomfortable, but you have to do it anyway. If your teen experiences any of the above problems, you can talk to them or seek professional help.
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