Behavior Modification for Teenagers

Most teens go through a stage in which they are moody and withdrawn, but most come through that stage relatively unscathed. However, if you are concerned that your teen̵7;s behavior is past the point of normal, you might consider behavior modification. According to the National Youth Network, punishment and rewards are used to stop unacceptable behavior and reward good behavior. Implementing behavior modification with your teen can help her learn more appropriate ways to respond to the world around her.

  1. Isolation

    • To modify any behavior you must first isolate that behavior and focus on it, advises the National Youth Network. For example, if your teen is rude and you want her to be more respectful, you need to isolate the rudeness from her other behaviors. Forget about her other behavioral issues and focus exclusively on her rudeness. When you focus on her rudeness, you will get an idea of what causes her rude behavior to come out most often such as visits with her dad and new stepmother or her math teacher. When you know what̵7;s behind the behavior, it makes it easier for you to figure out how to modify it.

    Create a List of Consequences

    • Part of behavior modification is using discipline to punish undesirable behavior. Explain to your teen that when she exhibits the behavior you deem undesirable, you will enforce a consequence. Give him examples of the consequences you might enforce. The Massachusetts Children̵7;s Trust Fund, a program designed to strengthen families, recommends taking away a privilege, grounding and restitution as punishment. Privileges you can take away from your teen include driving, cell phone or computer use, or watching television. You can ground him from going out on the weekends, after school or by taking time off of his curfew so he has to be home even earlier than usual. Restitution is a good idea for behaviors who damage property belonging to others.

    Positive Reinforcement

    • According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, you should offer positive reinforcement when your teen exhibits appropriate behavior where she would normally not do so. For example, if your teen is usually rude to adults and you catch her being polite and respectful another adult, tell her how proud you are of her. You can even offer her a reward for her good behavior, such as letting her stay out a half hour later than usual the next weekend. This type of behavior modification is used to help your teen recognize that good results come from good behavior.

    Enforce Consequences Consistently

    • Behavior modification will not work if you do not enforce the consequences when your teen misbehaves, advises the American Academy of Pediatrics. For example, say you catch him drinking alcohol in his bedroom. He̵7;s not going anywhere and he̵7;s not sharing with his friends, so you might consider letting it go just this once. Don't do it. You need to discipline him immediately. Teens learn nothing about modifying their behavior when they are not held accountable for it every single time.

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