Sarcasm in Teens

Cognitive Development

• New abilities to engage in abstract thinking occur in adolescence, according to assistant professor Rose Barnett, with the family, youth and community sciences department at the University of Florida. Along with this abstract thinking, a teen suddenly has new perspectives that enable him to consider issues differently. A teen may also develop an inflated opinion of himself, which could set the stage for sarcasm to surface during interaction. Sarcasm, although unpleasant to hear, may indicate increasing maturity and brain growth in a teen.

Set Expectations

• Although a teenager may be developing more wit, if you don̵7;t want to hear sarcastic comments from her, set boundaries so your teen understands your expectations, advises the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Inform your teenager that you expect respectful communication that does not include sarcasm, name-calling or insults. Explain the benefits of communicating positively, even when feeling frustrated or angry. By speaking respectfully to express emotions and listening to others, it̵7;s possible to resolve conflicts positively instead of resorting to sarcasm or insults. Along with expectations, include a connected consequence for significant instances of speaking disrespectfully, such as losing a cellphone for an hour or two or doing an extra chore.

Ignoring and Diffusing

• One option for dealing with teen sarcasm is to ignore the minor instances of this behavior, suggests child psychologist and author Vicki Panaccione. When you hear a minor sarcastic comment come from your teen, you might simply ignore it completely to avoid reinforcing this behavior. Another option could be diffusing a sarcastic comment with a lighthearted response. You could laugh off the sarcasm or you could calmly ask your child to try his comment again without the negative wit.

Resist Sarcasm Yourself

• Even when your teen throws sarcastic comments your way, resist the urge to use sarcasm yourself with your teen, counsels the University of Texas at Austin. Using sarcasm with your teenager may have negative results, often halting communication and inserting a negative vibe into an environment, cautions the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service. In addition, if you use sarcasm with your teenager, you could be setting the wrong example, modeling behavior you do not want your teenager to emulate.