Teen Social Issues

Teenagers deal with many social issues as they navigate the long road to adulthood. Parents face challenges when helping their teens become productive members of society. Teens themselves often struggle daily as they face social pressure to conform with the activities of their friends but still make the right choices. Social issues that teens face are part of the growing experience that, when navigated successfully, will help them become more competent adults in a complex society.

  1. Drugs and Alcohol

    • According to Students Against Destructive Decisions, or SADD, drinking and drug consumption is prevalent among American teens, with 11 million young people age 12 to 20 reporting drinking within the month and another 7 million defined as binge drinkers, or having more than five drinks in one sitting. About 10 percent of teens age 12 to 17 have also tried illicit drugs, and about half of kids have tried smoking before they graduate from high school.

      As a parent, you can watch for a decline in academic performance or a change in behavior as the first sign of alcohol or drug abuse. If you suspect your teen is abusing drugs or alcohol, talk to a school guidance counselor or a help agency for intervention procedures. Because approximately 70 percent of teens say they get their alcohol from home, monitor your alcohol and prescription drugs carefully. Either keep these substances under lock and key, or simply do not keep them in your home.

    Sexual Activity

    • Teens often begin to experiment with sexual activity as they become more physically and emotionally mature. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, less than half of ninth- to 12th-grade students are sexually active, and condom use is increasing; however, sexual activity among teens still results in approximately 800,000 pregnancies and 4 million sexually transmitted disease infections annually among teenagers.

      Begin talking to your teens early about sex and the physical and emotional consequences of sexual activity to help them make the right choices in this area.

    Suicide

    • Young people who feel socially isolated, are suffering from abuse or have a psychological disorder may be at risk for suicide.

      The Centers for Disease Control reports that teenage suicide is the third leading cause of death among teenagers, following unintentional injury and automobile accidents. Suicide risk increases when teens face issues such as problems in the family, trouble at school, legal problems and discipline issues.

      Watch for any signs of depression in your child, and take any suicide talk or attempts very seriously.

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