When worrying about our teenagers, it’s hard to know what is really worth stressing over. You know your teen better than anyone else and are much more likely to predict behavior from them.
However, here are some stats about teenagers that may surprise you.
Teens and the Internet
According to Pew Internet & American Life Project, teenagers ages 12 to 17 may be on the internet more and exploring more dangerous avenues than we are aware of. Though they are not always engaging in inappropriate behavior online, harassment and bullying happen more often than we would like to think, and when they are taking part in activities they know they shouldn’t, they know how to hide it from parents.
- 93% of teens go online regularly
- 27% get online using their phone
- 73% are on at least one social network
- 55% have given out personal information to someone they don’t know
- 29% have posted embarrassing photos, mean information, or spread rumors about someone on Facebook
- 88% of parents know that their teens have used the internet to talk to people they don’t know offline
- 67% of teens say they know how to hide online activity from their parents
Depression and Suicide
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide may be easier to predict than parents think. Depression is a serious condition that often first appears in adolescence and young adulthood, and suicide continues to be very real danger for teenagers. Learn the signs of depression and get your child help if they are showing any of the warning signs.
- Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of dead for youth ages 12-18.
- 4 out of 5 teens who attempt suicide have given clear warning signs
Drug and Alcohol Use
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, drug and underage alcohol use and abuse is actually declining. This is something parents spend a lot of time worrying about that they may not have to. However, it is still a problem among some teenagers, and when it comes to driving, teenage accidents often involve alcohol.
- 7.5% of Americans 12 and older use marijuana
- 9.5% of youth between ages 12 to 17 abuse illegal drugs
- 11.6% of youth ages 12 to 17 use alcohol
From these 12 surprising stats, parents of teenagers may need to spend less time worrying about their teenagers’ partying habits and more time monitoring their mental health and making sure they are being safe online. You are the best individual to predict what your child is up to, so trust your instincts when setting boundaries and talking to your teenager about safety and health.
- 10 Things to Reconsider That You Say to Your Adolescents (doorwaysarizona.com)
- Raising Thankful Teenagers (doorwaysarizona.com)
- 10 Parenting Tips for Raising a Healthy Teen (doorwaysarizona.com)