Teens
Teens are undergoing dramatic changes. In addition to the biological changes of puberty, they experience cognitive changes that allow them to think more abstractly. They become increasingly focused on friends. And as they seek greater independence, they often come into conflict with parents. Most get through adolescence with few problems, establishing identities and preparing for adulthood. Some, however, experience problems that lead to dropping out of school, drug use or crime.
Adapted from the Encyclopedia of Psychology
What You Can Do
- Facing the School Dropout Dilemma
This article seeks to complement and supplement the APA resolution on school dropout prevention with data from more recent research on child development, early childhood education, and social and emotional learning that helps to define the school dropout dilemma.
- Communication tips for parents
Parenting is hard work, but there are things you can do to maintain a good connection with your children and keep the lines of communication open.
- Staying connected: A guide for parents on raising an adolescent daughter
Take a look at this informative brochure that covers topics including: puberty, peer groups, self-esteem, sexuality, mood swings, rebellion, and much more.
- Resilience for teens: Got bounce?
The ability to adapt well in the face of hard times is a valuable skill for young adults. Here are ten tips to begin your journey to resilience.
- Teens
A collection of research studies with a real-world applications, designed to help improve our understanding of teens with regards to bullying, suicide, smoking, rehabilitating juvenile offenders, coaching and reducing risky sexual behaviors.
Getting Help
- Find a Psychologist
- Parenting: The teen years
The teen years pose some of the most difficult challenges for families. Teenagers, dealing with hormone changes and an ever-complex world, may feel that no one can understand their feelings, especially parents. As a result, the teen may feel angry, alone and confused while facing complicated issues about identity, peers, sexual behavior, drinking and drugs.
News
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Cyberbullying rampant among high school students
May 5, 2013, ScienceDaily
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Prescription drug abuse up among teens
April 23, 2013, WebMD
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Understanding the teenage brain
April 22, 2013, Medical News Today
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Many teen alcohol-related deaths not due to drunk driving
April 17, 2013, Fox News
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Benefits of family meals to mental health examined
March 22, 2013, Medical News Today
Monitor on Psychology Articles
- Certain video games may lead teens to drive recklessly
November 2012
- APA weighs in on the constitutionality of life without parole for juvenile offenders
April 2012
- R U friends 4 real?
February 2012
- Teen marijuana use is on the rise
February 2011
- Little-known caregivers
October 2010
Books
- The Adolescent Brain
December 2011
- Narcissism and Machiavellianism in Youth
August 2010
- Elusive Alliance
May 2010
- Emerging Adults in America
December 2005
APA Offices and Programs
- Children, Youth and Families
The Children, Youth and Families Office supports the work of the APA Committee on Children, Youth and Families and serves as liaison with other APA divisions, related organizations, state associations and federal agencies.
