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Social issues are problems that affect large groups of people and can
affect how well a society functions. Teens can face social problems just
like adults can. They may even be more susceptible to these challenges
because their brains are still developing and their bodies are changing
quickly. Social issues and what we might think of as "teenage problems"
can affect emotional and physical health.

Advances in technology also mean that today's teens are facing new and
different social issues. Electronic media has changed or amplified some
teenage troubles: Digital communication has changed the way teens
interact with their peers and romantic interests, for example. 1

Digital life also means that many teens lack essential interpersonal
communication skills like knowing how to pick up on social cues. Much of
this dysfunction can be linked to the use of technology 2 (but on the flip
side, virtual socializing and learning were essential during the COVID-19
pandemic).

Teens' social media and texting habits are changing the way they
communicate, date, learn, sleep, exercise, and more. The average teen
spends over eight hours each day using electronic devices. 3

While not all social issues are linked to technology, many have
complicated relationships with tech and media use. These are the top
10 social issues teens struggle with every day.

Depression
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), an
estimated 4.1 million adolescents in the United States had at least one
major depressive episode in 2020. That means 17% of American
teenagers may experience depression before reaching adulthood. Data
from NIMH also shows that depression is much more prevalent in female
teens (25.2%) than male teens (9.2%) and among teens who reported two
or more races (29.9%).4

Spending too much time on electronic devices may be preventing young

people from in-person activities with their peers, such as sports, which can
help ward off depression.5 They also experience new conditions like "fear
of missing out" or FOMO, which further leads to feelings of loneliness and
isolation.

Depressive disorders are treatable, but it's important to seek professional

help. If your teen seems withdrawn, experiences a change in sleep
patterns, or starts to perform badly in school, schedule an appointment
with your teen's physician or contact a mental health professional. Do not
delay getting help for your teen if you notice these symptoms.

Bullying
About 22% of teens in the U.S. experienced bullying in 2019, according to
the National Center for Education Statistics.6 Research suggests that social
media has made bullying much more public and more
pervasive. Cyberbullying has replaced bullying as the most common type
of harassment that teens experience.7

To help guard against these kinds of teenage troubles, talk to your teen
about bullying regularly. Discuss what they can do when they witness
bullying and talk about options if they become a target themselves. Being
proactive is key to helping your child deal with a bully.

It's also important to talk to your child about when and how to get help
from an adult. Talking about how someone has humiliated them is never
an easy topic. But asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it's a show of
courage.

Sexual Activity
In the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) survey, 38%
of high school students reported that they had ever had sex; 27.4% said
they were currently sexually active. That represents a decline over the
past decade (46% had ever had sex in 2009; 34% were currently sexually
active).8

The teen birth rate has declined over the past decade as well. In 2020, the
teen birth rate was 15.4 (births for every 1,000 females ages 15-19), a
decline of 8% from 2019 and 75% from the 1991 peak of 61.8. These teen
births accounted for less than 5% of total births. 9

The decline in pregnancy doesn't necessarily mean teens are using

contraceptives, however. Just over half of sexually active teens reported
using a condom in their last sexual encounter, according to YRBSS data,
while about 31% used hormonal birth control and 9% used both. 8

Of the 26 million new sexually transmitted infections in 2018, more than

half were among young people between the ages of 15 and 24. 10

Parents may not be aware that their children are sexually active. Talk to
your teen about sex and the importance of safe sex practices, even if you
don't think your child is engaging in sexual activity.
Drug Use
In 2021, about 3% of teens surveyed (in 8th, 10th, and 12th grades)
reported using marijuana daily. Marijuana use exceeds cigarette use in
teens now, and is at its .11 In fact, many teens believe marijuana is less
harmful now than in years past. This new perception may be due to the
changing laws surrounding marijuana.

Teen use of other substances is declining, according to the Monitoring the

Future Survey published by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. While
this decline has been noted since the survey began in 1975, decreases in
2021 were "steep and atypical."11

Still, it's important to have regular conversations with your teen about the
dangers of drugs. And don't forget to mention the dangers of prescription
drugs, too. Many teens do not recognize the dangers of taking a friend's
prescription or popping a few pills that are not prescribed to them.

Teens often underestimate how easy it is to develop an addiction. And

they don't understand the risks associated with overdosing. Be sure you
are talking about these risks on a consistent basis.

Alcohol Use
As of 2021, alcohol use and binge drinking continued to show a significant
decline among teenagers. Still, 26% of high school seniors surveyed still
report drinking alcohol within the past month. 11

Talk to teens about the risks of underage drinking. Educate them about
the dangers, including the fact that alcohol can take a serious toll on a
teenager's developing brain.12 Also, do not shy away from expressing your
disapproval of underage drinking. Saying you don't approve can make a
big difference in whether your teen decides to drink.

Obesity
About 22% of 12- to 19-year-olds in the U.S. are obese, according to
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data. Hispanic and
Black children are more likely to be overweight or obese than White or
Asian children.13

Overweight children and teens are often targeted by bullies. Obese kids
also are at a much greater risk of lifelong health problems, such as
diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and heart disease. 14 They also may struggle
with body image issues or develop eating disorders as an unhealthy way
of changing their appearance.

Parents are not always aware of these issues. Surveys show parents are
bad at recognizing when their kids are overweight. 15 They tend to
underestimate their child's size and the risks associated with being
overweight.

Talk to your child's pediatrician about the weight and body mass
appropriate for your teen's height and age and inquire about the steps
you can take to ensure your teen is healthy. Then, if your doctor does
recommend a healthier eating plan or exercise, find ways to support and
empower your teen.

Academic Problems
About 5% of high school students drop out of high school each year in the
United States, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. 16 A
high school dropout is likely to earn $200,000 less over his lifetime when
compared to a high school graduate, which can have a significant impact
on a young person's future.

But it's no longer just "troubled teens" who are dropping out of school.
Some teens feel so much pressure to get into a good college that they
burning themselves out before they graduate from high school. 17 Stay
involved in your teen's education. Provide support and guidance and be
ready to assist your teen if they encounter problems.

Peer Pressure
While peer pressure has affected teens for generations, social media
brings it to a whole new level. Sexting, for example, is a major cause for
concern; many teens do not understand the lifelong consequences that
sharing explicit photos can have on their lives.

But sharing inappropriate photos is not the only thing kids are being
pressured into doing. Teens face pressure to have sex, use drugs or
alcohol, and even bully others.18 To keep your kids from falling victim to
peer pressure, give them skills to make healthy choices, and to resist peer
pressure.

Also, talk to teens about what to do if they make a mistake. Sometimes,

kids may be afraid to seek help when they make poor choices. It's
important that your teen feels safe coming to you when they have a
problem. Demonstrate that you can listen without judging or overreacting
and instead find healthy ways for them to make amends and move on.
Social Media
Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can be great ways for teens to connect
with one another, but social media can be problematic for several
reasons. Social media can expose your teen to cyberbullying, slut-
shaming, and so much more.19 And, while there are some benefits to social
media, there are a lot of risks as well.

Social media can have a negative impact on friendships and is changing

the way teens date. It can even impact their mental health.20 And no
matter what precautions you take, teens are likely to be exposed to
unsavory people, unhealthy images, and sexual content online.

Help your teen learn how to navigate social media in a healthy way. Talk
about ways to stay safe online. And most importantly, know what your
teen is doing online. Educate yourself about the latest apps, websites, and
social media pages teens are using and take steps to keep your teen safe.
You may also want to take steps to limit your teen's screen time.

On-Screen Violence
Teenagers are going to witness some violent media at one time or
another. And it's not just TV, music, and movies that depict violence.
Many of today's violent video games portray gory scenes and
disturbing acts of aggression. Over the past couple of decades, studies
have linked these violent images to a lack of empathy and even
aggressive behavior.21

Other studies have shown the number one factor in determining how kids
relate to media is how their parents think and act. 22 That means the more
violence parents watch, the more likely they are to think it's OK for their
kids to view.23

Pay attention to your teen's media use. Don't allow teens to watch R-rated
movies or to play M-rated video games. It's not healthy for them to
consume that material in excess and unsupervised.

Also, talk to your teen about the dangers of being exposed to violent
images and monitor your teen's mental state. It's also important to talk
about sexual situations and racial stereotypes that your teen might see.

Teens need to learn how to identify what is good and what is bad about
the media. It helps them become a healthier consumer when they can
think objectively about what they are seeing online, in the movie theater,
or in a video game.
How to Talk to Your Teen
Bringing up any difficult subjects with your teen can feel uncomfortable.
And your teen isn't likely to respond well to a lengthy lecture or too many
direct questions. But having a conversation with your teen about social
issues and other teenage troubles is not something you should shy away
from.

Even when it seems like they are not listening, you are the most
influential person in your teen's life. It is important to lay a strong
foundation before the window of opportunity closes.

A good way to strike up a conversation about drugs, sex, vaping, or other

uncomfortable situations is to ask a question like, "Do you think this is a
big issue at your school?"

Listen to what your teen has to say. Try not to be judgmental, but make
your expectations and opinions clear. It is important that your teen
understands that you don't condone certain behaviors and that they know
the consequences of breaking your rules.

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Teenagers and Social Problems

Understanding Teenage Social Problems
Teenagers gain an increasing amount of independence from
their parents as they enter middle school and high school.
Unlike the early years, kids in this age group often look to
friends instead of parents for guidance. The pressure to fit in
and be part of the cool crowd clouds the judgment of
vulnerable kids.

Bullying
Bullying frequently occurs in the halls of high schools. It
ranges from easily identifiable fist-fights to subtle, emotional
attacks to the victim.

Types of Bullying
Bullying takes on several forms including:

 Physical threats and violence

 Verbal attacks and abuse

 Cyber bullying

Physical bullying is often the first thing that typically comes

to mind. Yet verbal attacks affect the victim in many of the
same ways. Bullying may lead to other social problems, such
as low self-esteem and making poor choices.

Bullying Effects
The type of bullying may vary, but the effects follow a
common pattern in teens. The victims often struggle with
acceptance after suffering at the hands of a bully. The victim
may experience:
  Fear and withdrawal from normal activities where they
may encounter the bully

 Anxiety and depression

 Stress

 Poor self-esteem

 Headaches, stomach ailments and other physical

problems

 Suicide or suicidal ideation

Peer Pressure
On a daily basis, teens influence their peers on everything
from clothes to illegal activities. Why do they allow
themselves to be swayed by peers? Fitting in and avoiding
taunts is a major factor. No one wants to be left out. Kids who
are curious about a certain behavior may decide to try,
particularly if they think everyone else is doing it. Drinking or
smoking at a party is a good example. A teen may decide to
satisfy his curiosity if all of the other party guests are
consuming alcohol.

Effects of Peer Pressure

Peer pressure results in poor decisions made by teens. A child
who is on the fence about engaging in risky behaviors often
goes along with the crowd to fit in, abandoning his own better
judgment. Even teens who have refused to participate in a
given activity in the past may eventually give in under peer
pressure. Negative choices that routinely occur to fit in
include:
  Gossiping

 Leaving others out of the group or making fun of them

 Bullying other teens, either physically or verbally

 Skipping school

 Stealing

 Engaging in sexual activity

 Breaking curfew and disrespecting parents

 Consuming alcohol or drugs

Positive Peer Pressure

While peer pressure is usually associated with negative
behaviors, it is worth noting that some peer pressure results
in positive outcomes. Teens have the power to use peer
pressure positively by encouraging peers to make better
decisions. For example, one teen might encourage a friend to
avoid participating in risky behaviors or stand up for a
bullying victim, thus pressuring the bully to stop.

Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is the value a person places on herself and how
she views herself. A teen with low self-esteem feels
inadequate and may feel uncomfortable with her appearance.
She may feel left out or less worthy than peers that are
deemed prettier, skinnier or more popular. Influences on self-
esteem come from a variety of sources. Body changes during
puberty, slender models in the media, bullying and the home
life of the child play a role in its development.
Effects of Poor Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is developed over the course of one's life based
on the experiences and it influences a person in many ways.
High self-esteem allows the individual to maintain a healthy
attitude toward life. Low self-esteem may cause an individual
to hold back and miss experiences. A teen's level of
confidence is also related. Poor self-esteem can lead to
depression in some people.

Improving Self-Esteem
Improving self-esteem requires the realization that it comes
from within and only you can improve how you see yourself.
There are many ways for teens to improve self-esteem once
they realize it is a personal process. Ideas include:

 Identify the difference between things that can and

cannot be changed

 Set goals for the things that can be changed, using

smaller steps to achieve the overall goal

 Make a list of positive characteristics and achievements

instead of only focusing on the negatives

 Push negative thoughts aside when they begin to creep

in

 Participate in activities that bring joy or a sense of

accomplishment

 Seek help from an adult

Help From Adults

Parents, teachers or other adults in a teen's life serve as a
support system. Understanding teenagers and social
problems is important for adult role models. A rumor at
school or feeling left out may seem like an insignificant
problem to an adult who is struggling to make ends meet or
dealing with a difficult relationship. Yet these problems are
very real to the kids who deal with them. Offering empathy
and understanding creates a supportive environment for
teens. Ways to help teens include:

 Encourage open communication

 Watch for changes in personality or behaviors

 Create a strong network in the community between

parents, teachers and community leaders

 Encourage participation in structured activities

 Seek professional help when needed

Helping Teenage Social Problems

The normal stresses of everyday life for a teen often revolve
around social issues. Improving self-esteem and teaching kids
how to handle social problems helps them become self-
reliant, happy individuals.