The Social Struggles of Troubled Teens: Building Healthy Relationships

Adolescence is a formative period of life that is filled with opportunities for self-discovery. However, it also brings with it its own set of obstacles, particularly in regard to one's connections with others. Teenagers frequently struggle with the urge to fit in with their peers, to create their identities, and to develop relationships that are meaningful to them. Those social struggles of troubled teens are made more significant as they also try to reach goals that they and others have set for them. As parents, it can be hard to see your teen navigate this challenging chapter, especially when you see them heading toward trouble. While you can monitor them to a point, you can’t always be with them when they’re making their choices. The good news is that during this time, there are supports you can lean on to help both you and your teen get back on the right path. Our team at Liahona Academy has helped teens and parents find the way through programs that allow teens to process their feelings, learn positively from peers, and become more confident in themselves. In this blog, we will discuss the difficulties that teenagers experience in their social lives and offer helpful advice on how to cultivate strong relationships at this formative stage in their lives, as well as explore how our team can help.

The Importance of Gaining a Sense of Oneself and a Healthy Self-Esteem

Building a solid sense of self-identity and a healthy sense of self-esteem is one of the most fundamental issues that adolescents confront today. The process of self-discovery that occurs throughout adolescence sometimes leaves adolescents feeling perplexed and unsure of themselves. They may sense that they are under pressure to adhere to the standards of their peers, which may result in an internal conflict between being genuine and fitting in. Teens should be encouraged to embrace the distinctive qualities and passions that make them who they are. This starts with supportive parents and programs like ours that assist them in comprehending the fact that one's self-esteem is not dependent on the validation of others but rather originates from the inside. One such way to enhance their self-confidence and help them locate peers with similar interests as a parent is to encourage them to investigate their hobbies and talents.

Navigating Social Struggles of Troubled Teens

Teenagers frequently face the issue of dealing with the influence of their peers. The interesting thing is that, if you take a step back, this pressure often continues into adulthood if you don’t have a strong sense of self, as mentioned above. Even then, the pressure flitters on the peripheral at times, tempting you to take the bait until you use the skills you’ve learned to rise above it. A person's need to feel like they belong in a community can motivate them to do and say things out of character. For teens, this might mean engaging in dangerous behaviors, such as abusing substances, bullying, or even making friends who aren't good for them. It’s crucial for parents to have a conversation with teens about the influence of peers to help them comprehend the significance of establishing limits and instruct them on the proper way to use the word "no." They should be encouraged to select companions who share their beliefs and who will support them as they continue to develop as individuals. Still, the pull can be extremely hard when they’re faced with self-esteem issues or struggle with their mental health.

The Role of Social Media in Online Harassment

In this day and age, the importance of social media in the lives of teenagers cannot be overstated. Although it can provide a platform for communicating with other people, it also puts users at risk of being bullied online and creating unrealistic expectations for themselves based on their online personas. It is imperative that you instruct your adolescent on how to use social media in a responsible manner and the significance of preserving a positive profile online. Remind them that social media is just one part of their overall social life, and encourage them to report any instances of cyberbullying that they encounter. Real connections can also be made in person or online.

Communication Struggles

Because teens spend so much time online, they often struggle with in-person conversations. However, building healthy relationships requires strong communication skills. Since teenagers frequently have difficulty expressing themselves, communication frequently results in misunderstandings and disagreements with their peers. At Liahona, we support your efforts to help your teen communicate better by giving them the skills they need to develop skills in active listening as well as assertiveness. We do this in positive peer settings, creating learning moments throughout the day. It’s important for you and your teen's support system to inspire them to freely communicate their views and feelings while also demonstrating empathy toward the experiences of others. Working together with our team, you can create a positive pattern of communication and empower your teen.

Conflict Among Peers and Bullying

The problems of bullying and disagreements amongst peers are all too common in today's schools and other social settings. Teenagers can be left with long-lasting emotional and psychological impacts as a result of these encounters. Your adolescent should be instructed on the significance of reporting incidents of bullying or disagreements to reliable adults, such as their parents, teachers, or school counselors. Encourage them to take a position against bullying, either by showing sympathy for the victim or by contacting the authorities for assistance.

Relationships With Peers and Friends

As discussed, finding the proper group of people to hang out with might be difficult for teenagers. They may have a tough time locating peers who share the same interests and values as them. During this time, it’s also important to explain to your teen how friendships might change over the course of time. Encourage them to take part in clubs and extracurricular activities outside of school where they can interact with people who share similar interests. Give them your support as they work to cultivate a social circle that is both diverse and dependable.

Reach Out to Our Team For Support

The tips above sound simple, but more often than not, the reality is that it is easier to offer these things than it is for your teen to follow the advice. This isn’t simply because they enjoy rebelling; it is the nature of trying to find themselves. Unfortunately, along that path, they might find themselves in trouble with no way out. As parents, it’s imperative to pull them back and provide them with a support system that’s tried and true. It is without a doubt difficult to navigate the complexities of social relationships that occur during adolescence, but doing so is also a great learning experience. With the proper support system, teenagers have the potential to emerge from this stage of life with a higher sense of self-esteem and the ability to establish meaningful connections with others if they are provided with the appropriate support and supervision. Contact us today to learn how we can help.