Behavioral Traits of a Teenager Children and Adolescents

1. Lesson 1: Behavioral Traits of a Teenager Educ 20: Home Economics & Livelihood
Jane H. Basto
Page1
What is a teenager?
A teenager, or teen, is a young person whose age falls within the range from thirteen through
nineteen (13–19). They are called teenagers because their age number ends in "teen". Someone aged 18
or 19 is also considered a young adult. Usage by ordinary people varies, and also varies in different
societies. Most societies traditionally had a formal ceremony to mark the change from childhood to
adulthood. During puberty, rapid mental and physical development occurs. Adolescence is the name for
this transition period from childhood to adulthood.
Changes of being an adolescent/teenager:
As you grow into adulthood, you pass through a period called adolescence. It is the period
between ages 12 and 19 in the average child. During adolescences, there are many changes in the body
structure. The voice of a boy changes to a deeper masculine tone because of the development of the
vocal cords and throat muscles. Hair begins to grow also on the face and other parts of the body. A girl’
legs on the other hand, develop more curves, the hips widen and the bust becomes firmer. Maturity
usually starts about two years earlier in girls than boys. As you develop physically, you also develop
mentally, emotionally and socially.
As you grow up physically, you also gradually increase your mental and emotional stature.
During your childhood days, your interest is only to yourself, your own possessions, your family, and
the people you meet daily. As an adolescent, your interest shift to many things outside yourself and your
immediate surroundings.
Your emotional growth goes hand in hand with your mental growth. To understand why you and
others of your age behave as you do, you must understand some of the behavioral traits of adolescents. It
would be worthwhile to analyze all these traits and try to deal with it positively since they are all part to
the changes in an adolescent’s life.
Characteristics of Teenagers
1. Independent, Emotional and Rebellious - Typical teenage rebellion can last up to six years and
can include defiant behavior and rapidly changing moods. Although not all teenagers become
rebellious, many do become more resistant to authority, often having a major impact on family
dynamics and personal relationships. Teens form their self-concept and sense of identity by
establishing independence from parents, sometimes engaging in emotional verbal conflict with
family or other rebellious behavior.
2. Energetic, Adventurous and Risk-Taking - Sleep patterns may change as teens are often full
of energy and prefer to stay up later. Incomplete frontal lobe development makes it difficult for
most teens to control impulses, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Adventurous or risk-taking behavior is not uncommon. Teens often have a need for excitement
and adventure, which sometimes causes them to overlook the potential dangers involved in risk-taking
activities, such as unprotected sexual activity or drug experimentation.
3. Maturing Physically, Hormonal, Sexually Aware and Social - Teenagers may experience
significant growth spurts between the ages of 13 and 18. Hormonal levels increase, as adolescent
girls begin producing more estrogen. Teen girls fill out physically, begin menstruation, gain
weight and can grow almost 10 inches taller between these ages. Teen boys also experience
hormonal changes and begin producing more testosterone. Physical changes common in
adolescent boys include growth of facial hair and significant weight gain. Teen boys can grow up
to 20 inches taller between these ages. Physical and hormonal changes also bring about an
increased sexual awareness, leading many teens to begin to experiment with their sexuality.
Many teenagers begin to engage in sexual activity early in adolescence, according to a report in
“Pediatrics,” the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Some teens might
become involved in a sexual relationship with a boyfriend or girlfriend or dedicate much of their
time to socialization. Time with friends sometimes takes priority over schoolwork or time with
family.
4. Intellectual Growth - Teens grow intellectually during adolescence and are able to begin
making life goals. The ability to understand abstract reasoning increases and teens begin to
consider and conceptualize possibilities to hypothetical situations. Some teens might begin to
question their parents’ points of view, and they may enjoy debating ideas. Organizational skills

2. Lesson 1: Behavioral Traits of a Teenager Educ 20: Home Economics & Livelihood
Jane H. Basto
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tend to improve, as many teens are able to handle multiple responsibilities, including work,
socialization and school, according to The Palo Alto Medical Foundation. However, impulsivity
often wins over intellectual growth, and teens often act before thinking of long-term
consequences.
Here are some of the behavioral traits of adolescents:
1. They are happy at times but become moody for some reason or another. They are sensitive and get
easily upset.
2. Teenagers want to prove their independence. However, they still need the guidance and direction of
their parents.
3. Adolescents tend to be irritable and restless. They do not want being criticized.
4. Teenagers appreciate their parent’s help, but they prefer to do things by themselves.
5. Adolescents are inquisitive. They tend to question directions and regulations.
(As part of the changes in teenagers, they become interested with the opposite sex and start to
develop crushes).
6. Teenagers become aware of the differences in boy-girl relationships. They become interested in the
opposite sex and develop crushes. As teenagers, they develop relationships with the latter.
7. They are mostly ambitious and idealistic. They seem enthusiastic in helping the less fortunate.
8. Adolescents tend to be very independent and permissive which oftentimes cause conflict and age
gaps.
9. Teenagers are self-centered and are concerned much about themselves.
Loneliness in Teenagers
Teenagers naturally face many challenges and pressures on the road to adulthood, and it can be
difficult for parents to tell the difference between typical teen moodiness and loneliness. Try to spend as
much time as possible with your teen, and talk to her about what's going on in her life. Being an
involved parent will help you determine how she's really feeling.
Causes - According to the Women's and Children's Health Network, there are many possible causes of
teen loneliness. For example, If a teen is being bullied or teased, he may feel lonely. Losing a friend or
loved one can also cause lonely feelings, as can moving to a new school. If you have recently divorced
or separated from your teen's other parent, this can trigger feelings of loneliness or isolation. Teens who
are coping with a serious illness that causes them to miss school or their favorite activities can also feel
lonely.
Signs - Teens that are lonely may seem shy and unsure of themselves. A lonely teen may seem generally
sad and withdrawn, or she may not seem to know how to handle herself in social situations. Anxiety can
also be a sign of loneliness. A lonely teen may seem uninterested in things her peers like, and she may
even avoid others, according to Janis R. Bullock, an early childhood education professor at Montana
State University, in an article on the Gulf Bend Center's website.
Consequences
Lonely teens may become lonely adults. They may have trouble making friends and feel sad, alienated
and bored, Bullock says. If a teen is lonely, she may not learn from the peer relationships and
interactions that she needs to form healthy relationships in the future.
How to Help - Encourage your teen to talk about his feelings, and make sure he knows you won't judge
him. If he's interested in anything, encourage him to join a sport, club or group to meet peers with
similar interests. Work with him to improve his social skills -- shyness or anxiety might be holding him
back and contributing to his loneliness.
Professional Help - If your teen seems depressed as well as lonely, consider getting her professional
help. Talking to her doctor about her feelings can help, as can speaking with a school counselor or even
a professional therapist. Another option is a support group -- through a group, she can talk to other teens
going through similar situations. If you’re local hospital or community center doesn't offer support
groups, check out support groups online. Just remind your teen to use caution if she seeks support
online. For instance, she should never give out her personal information on the Internet.

3. Lesson 1: Behavioral Traits of a Teenager Educ 20: Home Economics & Livelihood
Jane H. Basto
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How Culture Differences Affect Teenagers
Changing bodies, hormones and their emerging identities as young adults all tremendously affect
teenagers. Consciously or not, their cultural backgrounds also influence them. Embracing elements of a
teen’s cultural background can reinforce positive self-image. Some cultural characteristics might
become hurdles that teens need to overcome in order to finish school or accept authority. Teens might
also consciously adopt norms of new cultures as part of their adolescent identity, for example, deciding
to join a church group or study abroad.
School Behavior - Cultural differences can affect the way teens communicate at school. For example,
students from Latin American and Asian cultures might demonstrate respect for their teacher by
avoiding eye contact, according to Great Schools.org. Native American cultural norms consider eye
contact with the teacher, or volunteering an answer, to be showing off. Teachers who don't pay attention
to cultural differences might make assumptions about a teen’s level of respect or attentiveness in class
based on these behaviors. This could result in teens missing chances for enrichment or advancement
opportunities.
Parenting - Different parenting styles related to cultural background impact teens. For example, Asian
families may emphasize interdependence and family harmony to their teens, according to the Carnegie
Mellon Research Showcase. Caucasian families may draw from a more permissive, less authoritarian
parenting style in comparison. Different parenting styles will impart varying cultural values to teens.
Pride - Ethnic pride, or taking ownership of a teen’s cultural background, can be as important as self-esteem
for a teen’s mental health, according to Northwestern University. Culture and ethnic pride aren’t
synonymous, but a person’s ethnic background can affect his family’s choices and norms. When teens
embrace their family’s ethnic background, this tends to have positive payoffs. Parents can bolster ethnic
pride and embrace family culture by exposing teens to positive images in the media. This provides
positive role models and helps counterbalance any negative images of their culture or ethnic background
that they may have encountered.
Distress - Cultural differences can also influence how teens manifest distress, according to research
published in the journal "The American Psychologist." Some cultures stigmatize accessing mental health
services to address distress, so teens and their families might be more reluctant to seek help. Teens from
some cultures, for example, Latin American cultures, might turn to a faith counselor rather than therapist
or doctor for support. African-American cultures that promote the importance of male “coolness” or
aggression might discourage male teens from expressing distress. In some Asian cultures, losing face or
experiencing dishonor might be cause for suicidal thoughts or attempts.
Stereotypes - Although cultural differences can provide some context in examining a teenager’s
development, it’s important to resist generalizations or stereotypes that prevent parents from assessing
their teen as an individual. Cultural differences shouldn’t offer a blanket explanation for a teen’s
behavior choices or self-identity.
The Effects of Stereotyping Teenagers
For decades teenagers have been labeled jocks, nerds, preps and punks, but stereotyping isn't
usually productive or beneficial to a teen's mental and emotional development. A stereotype is a
judgment about an individual based on real or imagined characteristics of a particular group, according
to the website Facing History and Ourselves. Stereotyping can be done by parents, teachers, coaches and
peers. When a teenager is stereotyped, she might assume she has to measure up to certain standards.
Stereotyping puts a teen in a box, making little room for growth beyond society's limited labels and
often unjustified expectations.
Poor Self-Image - Some stereotypes result in a poor self-image. Teens who are labeled weird, asocial,
awkward, hyperactive or unpopular might suffer from isolation and rejection, feeling like misfits in their

4. Lesson 1: Behavioral Traits of a Teenager Educ 20: Home Economics & Livelihood
Jane H. Basto
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high schools or neighborhoods. Some might struggle with depression, have trouble fitting in with peer
groups. Even attractive, popular students can suffer from stereotyping when they feel that they can't live
up to their parents' or peers' athletic, academic or social expectations. For example, teenagers are often
stereotyped and labeled according to their physical appearance, so many struggle with a low self-esteem
when they can't meet society's body-image and beauty expectations, according to Cornell University's
Cooperative Extension.
Discrimination - Teen stereotyping often pits one group against another, resulting in discriminatory
behavior. Those of a particular race might get teased or called rude and disrespectful nicknames by those
of another race. For example, a Native American teenager might get called, "Chief," "Tonto" or
"Indian," rather than by his real name, according to Facing History and Ourselves. Discriminatory
behavior can lead to bullying, such as cyber bullying, physical abuse and violence. Discrimination is one
of the most harmful effects of stereotyping because it's usually based on race or gender -- factors that
have nothing to do with a person's values or character traits.
Generalizations - Stereotyping also hurts those who make judgments about teens because it causes
them to ignore differences. People who stereotype classify teens according to generalizations. They
often infer characteristics and abilities on all members of the group that might not be true, according to
Saul McLeod, a college psychology lecturer in the United Kingdom. For example, stereotyping all teens
in the school band as nerds is an unfair characterization. Some band members might struggle with their
school work and get bad grades or have athletic abilities and play competitive team sports -- opposites of
the nerdy stereotype.
Missed Opportunities - Missed opportunities and unmet goals are often the effects of teen stereotyping.
A teen might have the skills and talents to pursue a college degree in art or play collegiate sports but
never follow her dreams because she is stereotyped a loser or a reject. Some teens might forgo certain
career paths because they are labeled "dumb jocks" and never apply to college or pursue educational
opportunities. Stereotyping makes teens resistant to change and unwilling to pursue new opportunities
because they feel they will always be the nerd, slut, dork, loser, punk, prep or jock they have always
been.
Teenagers and the Importance of Friends
During the teenage years, friendships are important for several reasons. Teenagers typically
spend more time with their peers than they do with their parents, siblings or other social contacts.
Therefore, friends influence many aspects of a teenager’s life. Healthy friendships can help teenagers
avoid delinquency, isolation and many of the negative characteristics that are associated with this period
of life.
Acceptance and Confidence - Healthy friendships help teenagers feel accepted and confident and can
pave the way for the development of other positive social ties. Confidence and feeling accepted are
integral characteristics for a teen’s social and emotional development. When a teenager feels as if he is a
part of a group, he is less likely to be negatively affected by bullying and other forms of rejection. Teens
who feel confident and accepted may also be less likely to engage in the bullying of others.
Positive Influence - Friends can be positive influences in the scholastic, social and personal aspects of a
teenager’s life. Because friends often share common goals and/or interests, they can persuade a teen to
make good choices. They can deter delinquency and conflict, encourage success in school and provide
the basis for a larger network of associations that will be helpful later in life. Friendships can also help a
teen get back on track with her goals and/or plans for the future when other, more negative influences
are present.
Trustworthy Confidant - The teenage years are often stressful. Having trustworthy, loyal friends is
important to help teenagers deal with the stress and uncertainty that is a normal part of development. As
noted by adolescent specialist Maria de Guzman, “healthy friendships provide youths with social
support for dealing with some of the challenges of adolescence." Friends can serve as a sounding board
for issues such as relationships, school, work and conflict with parents.

5. Lesson 1: Behavioral Traits of a Teenager Educ 20: Home Economics & Livelihood
Jane H. Basto
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Healthy Fun and Excitement - Friends are also outlets for fun and excitement. Friendships or peer
groups help teenagers find healthy ways to have fun outside of home, school and work. With unhealthy
peer influences, a teenager may engage in negative behavior. Healthy friendships, on the other hand,
encourage pastimes that do not involve risk of delinquency or harm. An article posted in the University
of Illinois Extension notes that, through companionship, recreation and common goals, friendships
promote fun and excitement.
Top Things Parents Should Be Talking to Teenagers About
When you’re typically placid or easygoing child transitions into the teen years, you may stand shell-shocked
with the abrupt change. Although communication between parents and teenagers may be
challenging, don’t overlook important topics. Daily discussions should be open and honest, keeping the
dialogue engaging to include topics relevant to a teenager’s life.
Personal Issues - Teenagers have lots of things going on, between school, extracurricular activities,
peers, family, homework and chores. While teenagers try to juggle everything, don’t forget that they are
also focusing on personal interests such as hobbies, music and sports. Take an interest in your child’s
life, concerns, interests and issues. Ask questions, be available to provide support and encourage your
child whenever possible. Strive to connect and engage with your child positively every day to maintain a
close relationship.
Health - Keep lines of communication open regarding sexual maturity and activity so you can provide
support and answers if you’re teen needs help. Help your teen seek medical care to stay physically
healthy during the teenage years. Maintaining emotional health involves watching for issues such as
depression, anxiety, eating disorders, aggression or isolation from peers and family. If you see this type
of behavior, get dialogues going to offer support and assistance for your teen. You may need to arrange
professional counseling or treatment.
Safety - Teen safety is a huge topic, encompassing many different subjects. Communicate openly about
your concerns regarding Internet safety, substance abuse, privacy issues, cell phone usage, safe driving
practices, piercings and tattoos, firearms and family rules regarding conduct. Teenagers often encounter
situations frequently where the teen must make a decision regarding conduct or actions. By talking about
various issues and related situations, you can give your teenager the tools necessary to make responsible
decisions, states the American Academy of Pediatrics.
The Future - Teenagers may worry or wonder about current events, especially as they impact the
future. Talk about issues and happenings in the world with your teenager. Help your teenager dissect and
understand events. Discuss your teenager’s future plans as well, asking questions, providing support and
giving input as desired. Help your child navigate her course to achieve her goals by providing calm and
reassuring support.
References
http://life.familyeducation.com/teen/behavioral -problems/39350.html
http://www.bukisa.com/articles/353382_most-behavioral -traits-of-adolescence-or-teenagers
http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/loneliness -teenagers-4502.html
http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/10-typical -characteristics-teenagers-12960.html
http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/teenagers -importance-friends-6135.html
http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/10-typical -characteristics-teenagers-12960.html