Helping Teens With Destructive Behavior

The teenage years can involve a tumultuous time learning and growing as an adolescent works toward independence and adulthood. If a teenager becomes overwhelmed with the process and makes wrong decisions, it̵7;s possible for destructive behaviors to appear. If risky and destructive issues arise, provide your teen with firm and loving support.

  1. Warning Signs

    • Most destructive behaviors that teenagers might fall into will involve one or more warning signs, according to social worker Jack Holland, with the Reclaiming Futures website. Low self-esteem, falling grades, weight loss and illegal activity leading to legal trouble are four common signs that your teen may be in trouble. Any of these warning signs could occur in conjunction with destructive behavior such as drug or alcohol abuse or self-harming activities such as an eating disorder.

    Triggers

    • Tough situations in a teenager̵7;s life may work as triggers for destructive behavior, according to Southwestern Medical Center investigators. Depression can be a significant trigger that leads to negative risk-taking behaviors such as drinking, taking drugs and partaking in violence. A lack of family and school support can also contribute to teenagers making errors in judgment and engaging in destructive behavior. If you perceive a trigger situation that you have the power to influence or mitigate ̵1; such as increasing the amount of involvement and support you give your teen ̵1; you may be able to help her reduce her destructive behavior.

    Finding Motivation

    • The motivation to change or make positive choices is an individual drive, states Middle Earth, a nonprofit agency serving the needs of adolescents. Often, a teenager engaging in destructive behavior is attempting to fill an unmet need by the behavior. Until he learns how to meet this need in a more positive way, the teen won̵7;t have the motivation to stop his destructive behavior.

    Encouraging Change

    • With a firm and supportive approach, try to help your child find the motivation and desire to make positive changes. Avoid excessive anger, nagging and blame as you interact with her ̵1; these tactics may reinforce the destructive behavior. Open dialogue with your teenager to encourage her to think about the choices she̵7;s making. By asking open-ended questions about the behaviors, you might hit on something that would motivate your teenager to make changes. If the destructive behavior is serious, if it threatens her health and if you cannot succeed in encouraging positive change, seek professional help for your teenager.

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