The teen years are full of fun and freedom. As kids go from pre-teens to teens, they become excited to start high school, make new lasting friendships, learn to drive, and prepare for college.
However, there are many things that teens worry about as well. The following are some common teen problems that make them worry:
Peers and Fitting In
This is perhaps the most important, stress-inducing factor of the teen years. Fitting in and being socially accepted is important for most teens. In fact, many teens who are ousted or picked on in the high school years carry the emotional scars as result for many years. Where to eat lunch, who to hang out with, being accepted, and having friends are all common worries for teens.
Not only do teens want to fit in with their school, they want to fit in within their own peer groups as well. Even among friends (this is particularly true for girls), cliques can form and teens can be outcasts in their own groups as well. This is a common worry for teens.
School and College
Most kids are told from young ages that high school is important because it is there that their work and grades will “count” as it determines whether they will be able to get into their college of choice, if they go that route. For many teens, worries about getting good grades and test scores are common. This is particularly true as school becomes more difficult.
In addition, teens must also start to think about life after high school – whether they will go to college or not and where, what they want to do with their lives, and what it will take to get there are common teen problems.
Sex and Dating
Many teens will begin dating as they reach high school, and dating can be a huge worry for teens as they experience what it’s like to fall in love for the first time. In addition to their relationships with their boyfriends and girlfriends, teens worry about whether the people they want to date will find them attractive or not, whether they will get asked out, and so forth.
Sex also becomes an issue at this age, as many teens wonder whether or not they should start having sex. The average person loses their virginity around the age of seventeen or eighteen, and whether or not to be sexually active, as well as the ramifications that go along with it, are a common teen worry.
Money
Money also becomes a worry for teens as they become more image-conscious and many are no longer supported by Mom and Dad, at least not for things like cars or designer jeans. Many teens want to be able to purchase their first car and have spending money of their own without relying on Mom and Dad for everything. Many would also like to begin saving money for college. As teens start to work outside jobs in order to earn a little money, they are also faced with the stress of balancing work, a social life, and school.
The teenage years are faced with a number of unique circumstances and worries. As teens learn to cope with these common problems regarding relationships, balancing schedules, and money, they become better equipped to handle the world outside of high school.
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