5 Ways Misunderstanding Your Teenagers Can Cost you In the Long Run

Understanding teenagers is imperative in today’s ever-evolving society. The smallest misunderstanding can be to the detriment of your teenager in the long run. To reduce the chances of long-term issues, consider the five following key topics:

Academic Difficulties

The National Center for Education Statistics released its public high school on-time graduation and dropout rate statistics for years 2010-2011 as well as 2011-2012. It states that the dropout rate remained constant at 3.3 percent. It is critical that parents remain involved and informed regarding their teenager’s academic progress throughout high school. Something as simple as sending a quick email to teachers will keep communication lines open throughout the year and help to convey your desire to stay informed and involved.

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Bullying

Survey results published by www.bullyingstatistics.org indicate that students who have experienced bullying, 77 percent report the source as verbal or mental abuse. Being a victim of bullying has potential for long-term effects such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, poor concentration and academic difficulties. Keeping open communication with your teenager can help him or her to feel comfortable reporting bullying if it occurs. Staying vigilant about changes in your teen’s mood and behavior is imperative.

Auto Insurance

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that the leading cause of teens in the U.S. is motor vehicle accidents. According to the CDC’s Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS), “In 2010, about 2,700 teens in the United States aged 16–19 were killed”. Obtaining adequate auto insurance for your teenage driver is essential. Having sufficient auto insurance coverage minimizes the likelihood of financial loss in the event your teen is involved in an accident.

Social media

Staying vigilant of your teenager’s presence and activities on social media is imperative in today’s technologically-advanced society. Bullying can take place on social media. Pedophiles also use social media to target young victims. According to the Journal of Adolescent Health 47, 2010, “In 82% of online sex crimes against minors, the offender used the victim’s social networking site to gain information about the victim’s likes and dislikes.”

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Teen sex

In 2011, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in a publication titled STD Trends in the United States, estimated that approximately half of the 20 million new cases of sexually transmitted diseases that occur each year are among people between the ages of 15 and 24. Understanding that your teenager may be sexually active is paramount. Equally important is the need to convey to a teenager the seriousness of safe sex.

Ultimately, one can better understand a child during teenage years by remaining cognizant of issues related to teen sex, social media, auto insurance, bullying and academic challenges. Encouraging open communication and staying involved with your teenager’s daily activities can greatly assist with understanding this phase of his or her life.

Information Credit to Drayden Insurance Ltd., an Edmonton Auto Insurance Company.