Learning About Typical Versus Problem Behavior in Teens

What's the difference between typical and problem behavior?

Teen behaviors can be confusing and frustrating for adults. But a lot of those behaviors are happening for a reason. Many teen behaviors are signs of growth toward adulthood.

Problem behavior is often an extreme form of common or typical behaviors. Something might be a problem behavior when it:

• Causes more severe, long-term consequences. Examples might include damaging important relationships, getting into legal trouble, and failing in school.
• Causes physical or emotional harm. The harm may be either to the teen themself or to people close to them.

What are some examples of typical versus problem behavior?

Teenagers are going through intense physical, emotional, and mental changes. Here are some of the types of growth that happen in teens, with examples of behaviors you might see.

Remember, even if a behavior is common in teens, it doesn't mean that you should allow or encourage it. Remind your teen of your rules. And talk with your teen about choices that have long-term consequences.

• Forming their own identity. Teens are figuring out who they are and what they believe.
  • Typical teen behavior might include:
    • Spending more time with friends and less time with family.
    • Spending more time in their room alone.
    • Trying out different personal styles (clothing, hair, makeup, etc.).
    • Trying out different hobbies or having shifting interests.
    • Experimenting with alcohol or drugs.
  • Signs of a problem might include:
    • Complete withdrawal from parents and family.
    • Forming a habit of using drugs or alcohol. Or a teen may show signs of a substance use disorder. These signs include things like having problems with school, work, or relationships because of drugs or alcohol.

  Talk with your teen about the risks of using drugs or alcohol. Drug and alcohol use can cause physical harm. And even experimental use is illegal for teens. Getting caught could have big legal consequences.

• Exploring closeness in relationships. Part of becoming an adult means learning how to have intimate relationships. These could be close friendships with intimate emotions. Or they might be romantic relationships with sexual intimacy.
  • Typical teen behavior may include:
    • Having intense friendships.
    • Being very influenced by peers.
    • Focusing intensely on a "crush" or love interest.
    • Being more curious about sex and intimacy. Or teens may explore physical intimacy through dating and sex.
  • Signs of a problem might include:
    • A sudden change in peer group. This is especially true if the new group seems to be a negative influence.
    • Risky sexual behavior. A teen may have unprotected sex or have many sex partners at the same time. Or they may have a string of sexual relationships that don't last long.
• Adjusting to a changing body. The teen years are a time of lots of physical changes. It can take some time for your teen to get used to their maturing body.
  • Some typical behaviors may include:
    • Taking a long time to get ready to go out.
    • Being more focused on how they look and how others look.
    • Acting shy or self-conscious.
  • Signs of a problem might include:
    • Being very critical of their body or how they look.
    • Overeating regularly, restricting food, or purging.
• Showing more independence. Teens often start pushing away from their parents so they can start to make their own decisions about what they do and how they want to be.
  • Typical teen behavior might include:
    • Testing boundaries and breaking rules.
    • Not wanting help from their parents.
    • Not wanting to share what's going on in their lives.
    • Rejecting things they enjoyed or cared about in childhood.
    • Having mood swings or arguing a lot.
  • Signs of a problem might include:
    • Running away from home.
    • Refusing to go to school, or skipping classes.
    • Having temper outbursts that become violent.
    • Being moody, anxious, or withdrawn beyond what seems typical for your teen. Or they may seem to feel sad or "down" more days than not.
    • Self-harming or talking about suicide. If this happens with your teen, get help from a counselor. If it's an emergency, call 911.

Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

If your teen talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:

• Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
• Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
• Text HOME to 741741 to access the Crisis Text Line.

Consider saving these numbers in your phone.

Go to 988lifeline.org for more information or to chat online.

Try to handle the common behaviors as best you can. Remind yourself that this phase won't last forever. Teens eventually become adults.

If you see problem behaviors, take them seriously and address them quickly. Get help from a doctor, counselor, or other professional if needed.