Recognizing bad teen behavior can be hard to identify. Every teenager goes through a phase of independence. Instead of coming to their parents for guidance, they confide in their friends. Unfortunately, friends can have a negative influence on your teen’s behavior.
Negative behaviors are a normal part of teenage growing pains. But, behaviors can turn violent, criminal, or self-harming. That’s when parents need to seek professional help.
What is Bad Teen Behavior?
Bad teen behavior disrupts everyday life. It “puts children at risk for long-term problems.”
Troubled adolescents will “exhibit behavioral, emotional, or learning problems beyond typical teenage issues.”
Worrying teen behavior includes:
- Violence/oppositional defiant disorder
- Poor academic performance/skipping school
- Substance abuse
- Promiscuity
- Self-harming/thoughts of suicide
- Mood disorders/depression/anxiety
- Eating disorders
- Criminal behavior
- Problems sleeping
- Bullying
- Withdrawn from friends
- Anger issues
- Conduct Disorder
- ADHD
- Asperger Syndrome
If left untreated, these behaviors will lead to life-long problems. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach for therapeutic measures. Concerned parents should consult their family’s primary doctor. They can also reach out to a school counselor or a local mental health professional.
Outpatient Treatment Programs
Teens attend therapy during the day, and they continue to live at home at night. This works for teens that pose no risk to themselves or others. This is also a good option for teens that have a healthy family dynamic.
A mental health expert will recommend therapeutic options, which include:
- Individual therapy
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
Residential Treatment Programs
Residential treatment programs provide a safe, holistic, and nurturing atmosphere for troubled teens. These programs are great for teens that are resistant to home-based treatments.
They offer a wide range of therapeutic approaches, including:
- Professional intake assessment
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Individual therapy
- Art therapy
- Equine therapy
- Exercise programs
- Nutrition programs
- Community engagement and volunteerism
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Wilderness Therapy
- Adventure Therapy
Adding Balance to Combat Bad Teen Behavior
Poor teen behavior can feel like a never-ending battle. Families can reduce negative behaviors by making “healthy lifestyle changes.”
Work with your troubled teen to:
- Create structure: Set regular mealtimes and bedtimes. This will help to make teens feel safe and secure.
- Reduce screen time: Restrict phone usage after a certain time at night. Also, you can create fun “phone free” activities.
- Make time to exercise: Regular exercise helps to ease depression. Exercise also boosts energy, relieves stress, regulates sleep patterns, and improves self-esteem.
- Nutrition: Eating well helps restore energy, sharpens your teen’s mind, and balances a teen’s mood.
- Encourage better sleep: Lack of sleep leads to irritability and stress. It also causes problems with weight, memory, concentration, decision-making, and health.
Get a Mental Health Assessment for Negative Teen Behavior
A mental health assessment will help family members “understand current symptoms. It will also help to spot any possible triggers that might make the condition worse.”
Treatment plans for mental health disorders include:
- Individual therapy/Psychotherapy
- Cognitive Behavior Therapy: CBT helps teens recognize unhealthy thoughts and behaviors. Teens then learn to change their thinking in a positive way.
- Interpersonal therapy: Explores how social situations affect your teen’s mental health. This helps to improve communication and manage emotions.
- E-Therapies: Computer-guided therapy that works to change negative thoughts into positive behaviors.
- Medication: Medication and therapy are helpful for teens that need extra support.
Negative patterns and behaviors develop from untreated mood disorders, ADHD, or conduct disorders. But, teens will recover in supportive, safe, and nurturing environments.
To learn more about behavioral problems, click here.
