Parents of teens face challenges

A challenge several parents express is how to handle a moody teenager; but as most of us have experienced, moody comes with the age — it’s a packaged deal. However, moody teenagers still need assistance with identifying ways to cope with their own emotions and help learning how demonstrate them appropriately to peers and adults.

Many would agree that the availability to electronics has had a significant impact to youth, compared to generations in the past. In 2013, the American Academy of Pediatrics stated that youth were on electronic devices for eight hours or more a day. As adults, we are also utilizing electronic devices for extended hours; however, we have been exposed to a life without electronics as well. This balance of knowledge for adults allows us the ability to put our phones down and step away from computers much easier than teens and young adults. Further, we have had the experience of dealing with challenging

emotions without such an easy distraction.

Teens are receiving limited training on how to muddle through the anxiety and stress. Teens who struggle with managing their emotions are using electronic devices as a distraction from strong emotions or a way to express those emotions. Rather than develop their ability to feel uncomfortable they are avoiding the issues and not learning appropriate ways to manage themselves.

There is a need for parents and adults to teach teens and youth about setting limits with electronics. As an example, having limits, such as a nightly curfew, can improve a teen’s sleep habits and overall health. Teens who struggle to get enough sleep can demonstrate an increase in mood disturbance and decrease in school performance.

As the use of technology grows, it is important that adults, teens and youth continue to find helpful and appropriate ways to manage stress, anger, and anxiety. Working against the use of the easily accessible electronic devices can be a struggle however; the benefits can be well worth the effort.