The teenage years are full of ups and downs emotionally and physically. The Family Education website states that the changes your teen goes through can cause fluctuations in the way he acts—especially his behavior. While every teen experiences negative behaviors from time to time, when it becomes consistent it can be problematic to their health and their life.
Anger
Teens can sometimes easily fly off the handle. This is generally caused from fluctuating hormone levels and the stress related to fitting in as a teenager. When the problem begins to consistently interfere with their personal and school relationships, this is considered abnormal. The Psych Central website explains that teenage anger is a feeling, an emotion that can take its shape through verbal violence, malicious gossip, defiant behavior and rage.
Truancy
The University of Minnesota Extension explains that truancy occurs when a child misses seven days of school without an excused absence from the parent. With many truant behaviors, the parents may be unaware that their child is skipping school or only showing up for a partial day. As a parent, it is important that you remain in constant contact with your child’s school and teachers, especially if there is a history of truancy. Lying and constantly skipping classes is abnormal behavior that can have dire consequences, such as expulsion or legal enforcement.
Depression
The stressors of teen life, such as the desire to look thin, hormone changes and peer pressure, can trigger depression in adolescents. While many teens can deal with depression on their own, some may need professional help to combat the depression. The Teen Depression website explains that suicide in teens is the third leading cause of death in their age group. Thinking of suicide is an abnormal thought process in teens. If your teen talks about feelings of emptiness, helplessness or withdraws suddenly, get them professional help immediately through a licensed psychiatrist or family therapist.
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is an abnormal teen behavior. Teens Health explains that those who have a substance abuse problem with drugs or alcohol are more likely to dull or intensify senses, causing an impaired ability to make decisions or to operate a vehicle. Examples of substance abuse include consuming alcohol, abusing prescription drugs or taking illicit street drugs. Because substance abuse can be addictive, as a parent you should enroll your teen in a drug rehabilitation program to get him the help he needs.
Rebellion
Some teenage rebellion is normal with teens, such as talking back to a parent or breaking the rules once in a while, explains the Massachusetts General Hospital for Children. When rebellion goes over the top and affects others and the teen’s life, it’s considered abnormal. Some examples of abnormal rebellion include, not following through with chores, disobeying household rules, getting in trouble at school and running away from home.
