Teenage problems in the USA Essay Example

themselves from restrictive regulations. Regrettably, all the authoritative individuals in a teenager's life – including parents, teachers, older relatives, and social circles – endeavor to shape them into conforming with established societal standards. As a result, teenagers rarely enjoy genuine freedom to live according to their personal aspirations.

When parents establish rules for teenagers without providing explanations, it is common for adolescents to experience the urge to challenge and break those regulations. Additionally, youths may become frustrated and irritated when parents attempt to engage in a significant discussion with them, perceiving them as disconnected from their issues and incapable of offering helpful guidance. Therefore, effective communication between parents and children can be hindered, as even informal conversations can quickly escalate into heated disputes.

Misunderstandings among family members can greatly contribute to the depression that young people frequently encounter, leading them to seek comfort from their teenage peers who are going through similar struggles. As a result, parents have the power to both provide support and worsen the challenges faced by today's teenagers. Furthermore, unhealthy eating habits lead to significant health problems, making it a major concern for youth in the United States.

The influence of television shows on young girls is evident, as they aspire to emulate the top models they observe. As a result, there has been a rise in anorexia cases. Conversely, many adolescents, particularly boys, display apathy towards their eating habits. The majority of teenagers, especially boys, frequently choose unhealthy junk food due to limited time and financial resources. Consequently, the United States boasts the highest number of overweight teenagers globally.

During adolescence, teenagers aim to create a

self-image that demonstrates confidence and independence, both among their peers and in society. This pivotal period of shaping one's identity frequently involves participating in risky behaviors, which can potentially evolve into dangerous habits that jeopardize their future prospects. Engaging in unprotected sexual activities, driving at high speeds without seatbelts, and misusing alcohol and drugs are some instances of these perilous experiments. The motives behind these actions are varied and complex.

Hansen and Ponton (121) state that many teenagers engage in antisocial behavior to release energy, experience adrenaline, satisfy curiosity, and gain attention. These problems are interconnected and have a cause-and-effect relationship. Undoubtedly, underage smoking, teenage drinking, alcoholism, and drug abuse are significant concerns in the United States that need careful attention. Internationally, alcohol and substance use often symbolize freedom and independence for teenagers.

An article discusses why it is important for children to be warned about smoking and drinking until they reach a certain age. This warning can be interpreted as unclear because it implies that drinking and smoking are signs of being an adult. However, it is vital to differentiate between the moderate use of alcohol and substances and their excessive misuse. Substance abuse only happens when these substances are used in excessive amounts.

The USA is currently experiencing a major problem with alcohol and drug abuse, which presents dangers to states, communities, and families. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), the average age at which individuals first experiment with marijuana is 14, and many teenagers start drinking alcohol before reaching the age of 12. The National Household Survey on Drug Abuse shows that there are

currently 11 million drinkers aged between 12 and 20. Consequently, this particular demographic faces significant consequences as a result of engaging in risky behaviors associated with alcohol consumption.

The negative consequences that impact American society regularly consist of youth violence, unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, suicide, and accidental deaths. According to Coggans and McKellar (16-18), this problem has become a social disease in America. Although completely eradicating underage drinking from American society is undoubtedly unattainable, cooperation between parents, communities, media, law enforcement, and legislators could at least lessen the seriousness of this nationwide epidemic. Currently, many Americans are increasingly worried about youth violence.

The number of teenagers engaging in acts of violence, particularly towards their peers, is on the rise. These acts encompass intentional physical, emotional, mental, and/or sexual or psychological assault committed by one or more individuals. Abuse can take various forms such as sexual abuse, abandonment, or neglect. Teenagers themselves can both suffer from and perpetrate violence. The repercussions of violence are harmful for all parties involved - the victim, the person exhibiting violent behavior, peers, family members, and even community members (Olweus 43-44). Bullying serves as an example of these violent acts.

Acts of violence include physical actions such as kicking, slapping, or hitting and may involve the use of weapons like guns or knives. Teenagers who engage in severe violence often also participate in other criminal behaviors, including drug use and possession of weapons. In the United States, there has been an increase in deaths and serious injuries among teenagers due to the growing prevalence of carrying guns and weapons. It is crucial to recognize that certain acts

of violence can cause both emotional distress and physical harm.

The act of violence can result in severe consequences, such as death. Nonetheless, it is a behavior that can be acquired and modified, albeit with difficulty. Violence has numerous underlying factors, making it a complex issue without a straightforward solution. However, during adolescence, certain indicators suggest potential engagement in serious violence. One notable risk factor is the impact of friends and classmates on a teenager's conduct. Hence, parents should be mindful of their children's social circles and encourage positive behavior and relationships.

Bullying is a common type of violence among American children and adolescents, possibly the most widespread. In fact, at least 50% of children in the United States have experienced bullying. However, it is often viewed as a normal part of growing up with little attention paid to its harmful effects or connections to other forms of violence. Bullying includes different actions that intend to harm individuals who are weaker or more vulnerable.

Different forms of bullying, such as physical abuse or verbal harassment, spreading rumors, or persuading others to reject someone, can occur. According to Cook and Laub (37), approximately 5.7 million teenagers in the United States, which accounts for around 30 percent of the teenage population, engage in bullying either as a bully, target, or both. The consequences of bullying are significant; it induces feelings of tension, anxiety, and fear among teenagers. Furthermore, it hampers their ability to concentrate at school and may even result in school avoidance in certain cases.

Persistent bullying negatively impacts teenagers, resulting in decreased self-esteem, a diminished sense of self-worth, and weakened social

connections. This can lead to withdrawal, depression, anxiety, and insecurity. In more severe cases, bullying can have long-lasting consequences for teenagers; some may even resort to extreme measures such as carrying weapons or seeking violent revenge as a means of feeling secure. Tragically, there are instances where suicide is considered. Research has shown that adults who experienced bullying during their adolescence still suffer from higher levels of depression and lower self-esteem compared to their peers years after the bullying stopped.

The issue of high teenage pregnancy rates in America is often a consequence of risky sexual behavior among young people. It is common for many teenage girls to become pregnant, even when it is not planned, which poses additional health risks for both the mother and the baby. Therefore, unplanned teen pregnancy is widely regarded as a highly traumatic experience. The United States has considerably higher rates of teen pregnancy compared to other industrialized nations, as indicated by its larger percentage of adolescent mothers.

Teen pregnancy rates vary across different countries. In Sweden, Canada, and the United States, the rates are 35 per 1,000 girls aged 15 to 19, slightly higher at 44 per 1,000, and the highest among developed nations at a staggering rate of 96 per 1,000 respectively. The fact that approximately 1 million teenage girls become pregnant each year in the United States is alarming. This not only constitutes an epidemic but also leads to various sociological problems such as teen drinking and smoking as well as an increasing drop-out rate among teenage mothers (Igra, Irwin 45-46). Apart from health concerns, adolescent pregnancy has numerous other consequences.

The income of teenage

mothers is lower, with approximately 80% depending mainly on welfare. Dropping out of school is more prevalent among teenage mothers, and only about one-third manage to acquire a high school diploma. Teenage pregnancies are associated with higher rates of alcohol and substance abuse, lower levels of education, and limited earning potential for teen fathers as well. Consequently, many consider teen pregnancy to be reaching epidemic levels and believe it contributes directly to various societal problems (Igra, Irwin 48).

Teen pregnancy is commonly acknowledged as a contributor to multiple societal problems, including drug abuse, child abuse, crime stemming from financial difficulties, depression, and even suicide. When confronted with pain caused by loss, rejection, or disappointment, people usually feel anxious, sad, and hopeless. Nevertheless, individuals with severe mental illnesses often endure even more intense emotional responses that can make them feel utterly lacking in hope.

In times of despair, certain individuals see suicide as their sole escape. This idea is commonly pondered by teenagers from diverse backgrounds and in all situations. As adolescents experience hormonal and physical changes, along with the challenges of adolescence, their characters change and they often view these changes as more harmful than helpful. As a result, teenage depression has become a significant factor in the rates of youth suicide in the United States.

Suicide is a prominent cause of death among individuals aged 15 to 24 in the United States, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC also notes that there are approximately 100 to 200 unsuccessful suicide attempts for each successful teenage suicide. According to Kid's Health, the presence of firearms enhances the likelihood

of teen suicide. Additionally, gender influences suicide rates, with girls contemplating and attempting suicide nearly twice as frequently as boys, while boys have a four-fold higher rate of completed suicides compared to girls.

Boys have a higher suicide rate, which may be due to their preference for more lethal methods such as hand guns, hanging, and jumping from heights. In contrast, girls tend to attempt suicide through drug overdose or self-cutting. Fortunately, it is relatively easy to detect signs of suicide and take preventive actions. Identifying warning signs is the most effective way to prevent suicide. Engaging in open conversations with individuals about their circumstances can offer valuable help since they might just need someone who will listen without judgment and provide support during challenging periods.