10 Common Teen Issues and What to Do

Adolescence is a challenging time. Older children struggle to adjust to rapidly changing bodies, hormones, and external influences and issues. However, many teen issues are the same as those faced by past generations. The teens living in the 2020s also struggle with new challenges, such as cyberbullying, cyber addiction, and sexting.

You want to raise your teen to become a Godly man or woman, but the world offers enticing things, and for a teenager, it can feel like the end of the world when something happens. Help your child with common teen issues by raising awareness in your family and discussing any problems worrying your child.

Common teen issues

Have you noticed your teen’s behavior lately? Is it off? Do they seem sad or depressed? What about withdrawn? Older teens dealing with teen issues typically find it difficult to concentrate, have problems sleeping through the night, or distance themselves from people because they think no one understands.

The following is a list of common teen issues to be aware of in your child’s life. Try to maintain a safe relationship with your child where they feel they can come to you without judgment. Teens have questions and concerns and may confide in their friends instead of their parents due to fear of rejection or angering their family. Addressing that you are willing to listen and seek help for your child, advocating for their physical and mental health is critical.

Depression

The National Institute of Mental Health reported that in a 2021 study, as many as 20% of teens ages 12 to 17 had experienced at least one depressive episode. Depression is one of the most common teen issues that can lead to physical and mental problems.

For example, a teen who is depressed and does not know how to process the emotion or ask for help may isolate themselves from others, lose interest in hobbies and the future, stop doing schoolwork, lash out at friends and family, self-harm, or make a suicide attempt.

Bullying

Bullying can take many forms. Your child may experience bullying from a peer or a group of peers in person or online, from a stranger online, or from an adult face-to-face or online. Bullying robs a child of their confidence, and if the bullying is large-scale, they may feel like there is no end.

If the bullying is from a group, the child might feel like there is no escape. Slanderous words posted online for the world to see can make the child feel worthless while they are still learning who they are. Seek help from school administration or law enforcement if your child is being bullied.

Substance abuse and alcohol

Chemical substances can change the brain’s receptivity to neurotransmitters, causing problems sending and receiving messages. Cognitive function can decline, and, depending on the substance, physical conditions affecting the heart, liver, and lungs could develop.

Unfortunately, substance and alcohol addiction can be challenging to break without professional help. Some drugs, when stopped, can trigger withdrawal symptoms that a physician should oversee. Seek support if you suspect your teen is addicted to drugs or alcohol.

Cyber addiction

Devices are a part of life now. Children use phones, tablets, computers, and other devices in school and then come home for television and gaming consoles. Social media platforms have enabled everyone to have access at any time.

If your child is spending hours on their devices, they may have a cyber addiction. Cyber addiction examples include:

• Gaming during most of the waking hours.
• Posting on social media several times or monitoring likes and comments.
• Engaging in cybersex or pornography.
• Online gambling.
• Creating fake accounts to bypass age restrictions.
• Becoming agitated or angry when you intervene about devices.
• Isolating from social events to stay online.

You may need to set boundaries regarding devices and time spent online, implementing bedtimes and daily cut-off times for all devices and social media.

Mood swings

Mood swings can be due to hormone changes, anxiety, depression, addiction, family issues, or a mental health condition. Being sensitive to your child’s moods may help you decipher whether they are just having a bad day or if their behavior is much more serious.

Offer to listen to your teen’s concerns. Something may be bothering them or happening in their life that they do not feel comfortable sharing with an adult, but they might open up to you or a counselor if you are willing to stay nonjudgemental.

Body image issues

Body image issues can develop in teens as their bodies change. This is a time when they feel self-conscious, often comparing themselves to others, especially those of celebrities in the media.

Friends can introduce your child to forms of weight management that may harm their health. This is also a period when teens may use overexercise and sports to manage their body shape and size. Body dysmorphia can also develop. A counselor can help with the treatment of body image issues.

Eating disorders

Often, as a result of trying to manage weight or body shape, teens can develop an eating disorder. The most commonly diagnosed eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and binge eating. If a teen does not meet the criteria for an eating disorder, they may still engage in disordered eating, such as using exercise to counteract calories and avoiding specific food groups.

Eating disorders, if left untreated, can lead to death. Due to the behavior associated with eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia, when the child tries to resume normal eating, the body may have reached a critical level that requires immediate medical attention. Reach out to a counselor if you suspect your teen of an eating disorder.

Risky behaviors

Risky behaviors can include stealing, driving too fast, skipping school, abusing drugs or alcohol, taking off with friends without telling their parents, engaging in sex, sexting, and fighting. Risky and impulsive behaviors can be due to a mental disorder or events in the child’s life.

Consider Christian counseling with your child to open the doorway to communication. Having an unbiased person to mediate and teach you both communication skills can make it easier for you to understand why your child is behaving this way and how you can work together.

Academic issues

Poor performance in school is often a symptom of a larger issue. The child may be struggling with family drama, peer problems, bullying, substance abuse, or a learning disability. Sometimes, learning disabilities are overlooked or misdiagnosed. If a child does not feel confident in their skills and knowledge, they may lash out or refuse to participate.

Learning disabilities are more accepted today compared to the past. A counselor can help you determine if your teen’s academic issues stem from a disability or a behavioral problem.

Physical issues

Chronic illness can strain the teen and their family, whether it is the child who is ill or another family member. Sickness or an accident can change the trajectory of a teen’s life and should be addressed. Not only is their physical health at stake, but their mental health, and sometimes their spiritual health, if they blame God for their or their loved one’s physical issues.

Help your teen by promoting healthy lifestyle choices and offering a listening ear. Let them know it is okay to express their feelings, even if they are sad, angry, or frustrated about the situation. You may want to speak to a Christian counselor about bringing Jesus’ mercy and hope into the discussion.

Counseling for teen issues

Teen issues can be overwhelming and frustrating for everyone involved. Sometimes, having a third party who can listen and suggest ways to overcome problems and teach coping skills, anger management techniques, and communication skills is what you need to raise an adjusted and spiritually strong child.

A Christian counselor can help you both through this trying time. Remember, the teen years can be a joy to reflect on in the future if your child is equipped with the emotional and mental skills to work through obstacles. Contact our office today to discuss teen issues and schedule an appointment with a Christian counselor.