The Positive Effects of Strict Rules on Teens

The teenage years are a wonderful time of growth and change, however, sometimes the sweet child you knew just a few years before can develop rebellious tendencies that can seem self-destructive and thus are a cause of worry for parents. Because teens are attempting to distance themselves from adults, they may have some difficulty with strict parental practices, however, there is some good that can come out of this authoritative parenting style if you go about it in a fair and open way.

  1. Reduce Substance Abuse

    • A study published in the journal "Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research" revealed the influence parents have over their teens' drinking impulses. The journal states that strict parental control over alcohol consumption helped teens inhibit the tendency to drink alcohol. Permissive parenting concerning the use of alcohol, however, led to increases in alcohol use by teens.

    Save Lives

    • According to two studies in the journal "Pediatrics," setting strict rules for teens can help them to be safer drivers. Results indicated that teen drinking and driving was reduced by 70% when parents were actively involved with their teens and that teenage cell phone use while driving decreased by 30%. Taking the keys from teens and giving them access to the family vehicle, and not their own car, can cut their accident risk in half. Since car accidents are the leading cause of death for people 16 to 20 years old, this is particularly significant.

    Authoritative Parenting

    • Research has shown that authoritative parenting can produce positive outcomes in adolescents. Supervision and parental monitoring can help teens engage in activities that are more beneficial in nature, which decreases the chance teens will get caught up in delinquent behaviors. Setting firm parental limits in an encouraging and warm way can contribute to teenagers' sense of self-worth and set them on a path of constructive action.

    Setting Guidelines

    • Many experts feel that setting guidelines at an early age can increase the positive affects of parental discipline. Teens who know what behavior is expected of them are likely to respond more positively to discipline than those who only experience negative consequences for their actions. When you have clear discussions about the house rules and set strict guidelines for what you expect, teens will be more likely to listen and follow through. Although rules can remain strict to ensure optimal results, gradually giving teens some independence will help them learn how to be responsible for themselves and live on their own. Set rules that fit the age group and maturity level and try to be flexible in your approach.

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