Nearly half of teens (46 percent) are online almost constantly, while the majority of teens (96 percent) are using the internet every day.

In a new report by PEW Research Center, the majority of teens (72 percent) admitted they are happier and more peaceful when they are detached from their devices (screens). This is a contrast to the other almost half (44 percent) that say they feel anxious, upset, or lonely.

Whether the teen is feeling happier or anxious, both of these can be concerning since it goes back to the overuse of screen time that is causing them either not to have peace in their life or to have anxiety or even feel lonely.

5 Ways to Create a Smartphone Contract to Manage Screen Time

Creating a smartphone contract between you and your teen is an excellent way to teach your child about these rules and responsibilities, as well as the consequences for not seeing them through. Be sure you go over every item in your contract, giving your teen the opportunity to ask questions and even make suggestions.

These are 5 tips to limit screen-time in a smartphone contract:

1. Limiting notifications: Parents also need to be part of this. For every ring, buzz, whistle, or ding that your phone announces for each app notification, it can trigger a sense of anxiousness—the person feels like they need to check it immediately.

Your teen should be allowed three to five app notifications; this can help limit their screen time and their anxiety.

2. Having phone limits: Designate phone limits and stick to them (not easy, but necessary). According to the most recent PEW report, many parents and teens argue about screen time and devices. If you have a contract (agreement) in place, hopefully it could curb destructive conversations in the home.

What are healthy phone limits? According to Reid Health, for both adults and kids (outside of work and school) it should be an average of 2 hours. It’s probably safe to say that both adults and teens break that number.

3. Eating without electronics: This generation needs to have a better understanding of having a meal without distractions, especially when with friends (or family)—it’s simply disrespectful.

Whether you’re at home or in a restaurant, a no-device rule should always be implemented for both teens and parents.

4. Sleeping “safely”: As much as we want to trust our young people, they are drawn to their screens; night scrolling is real. It can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety, and your teen to lose valuable sleep. Eventually, their academic performance starts slipping and their attitude becomes flippant.

Implement in your contract a designated time at night that all devices are placed into your home safe or lockbox for the night. This will eliminate any temptation for endless texting, scrolling, or other needless social media engagement.

5. Having a social activity challenge: Interestingly, the PEW report shares that the majority of teens (69 percent) say smartphones make it easier for people their age to pursue hobbies and interests. It’s the positive side of screen time, but it’s also how we can take it offline.

Encourage your teen to get involved offline in their favorite hobby (activity) with friends (maybe some they have met online) after you have properly vetted them, rather than always conversing through screens.

In Conclusion

Do you think it’s too late to start a smartphone contract with your teenager? You would be wrong—yes, you may get some pushback, but studies have shown that teens want boundaries, they really want to get offline, and you can help them.

Also read:

How to Help Your Teen With Cyberbullying

How Cyberbullying Impacts A Teen’s Mental Health

How Much Is Too Much Screen Time for Teens

The post 5 Tips to Limit Your Teen’s Screen Time first appeared on Help Your Teens.

Is your teen facing:

• Depression and anxiety
• Self-harming
• Suicide ideation
• Trauma (PTSD)
• Family and peer conflict
• Frequent mood swings
• Anger, defiance or rage

DBT is based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), but it’s specially adapted for people who feel emotions very intensely. DBT teaches specific, concrete, tangible skills towards acceptance and changing behaviors.

How Does DBT Work for Troubled Teens?

When you have a teenager who is distressed, it can affect the entire family. It can be difficult to find ways to support teens who constantly feel like their emotions are raging.

Individual therapy usually involves weekly one-to-one sessions (sometimes twice a week) with a DBT therapist. Each session lasts approximately 45–60 minutes and treatment can last up to 5 months for adolescents with an option to repeat it.

Intensive outpatient therapy (IOP) will meet several times a week, often 3-5 groups per week. Depending on the program, outpatient therapy may be entirely DBT-focused, or DBT may be a portion of the program. 

Residential and inpatient treatment programs both have the teens on-site for the entire day, which offers many potential variations and creativity for delivering DBT.

DBT therapists’ goals:

1. Understanding, managing and regulating emotions
2. Tolerating distress and crises without making problems bigger
3. Maintaining satisfying relationships with others
4. Increasing self-awareness, expanding one’s ability to recognize alternative points of view and managing emotional situations
5. Increasing problem-solving skills, learning validation and effectively managing differences of opinion with family members

We are in an adolescent mental health crisis and epidemic at this time: Young people are experiencing higher rates of dying by suicide, suicide ideation, depression, and anxiety. Simply: Teens are struggling more with the amount they need to learn about themselves and the rapid pace at which they must learn to navigate their world.

DBT has been successful in helping your troubled teenager cope with and regulate their emotions.

If you are looking for a DBT therapist for your teen, start by contacting your insurance company. Your insurance company will have a list of covered therapists. 

Read: Where to Send My Troubled Teenager.

Read: 5 Benefits of Boarding Schools for Troubled Teens.

The post How Does DBT Work for Troubled Teens? first appeared on Help Your Teens.

For many, these are (were) good teens, smart, athletic, outgoing – now they are underachieving, depressed, changing friends, defiant, withdrawn, vaping, using drugs/drinking, dropping out of their favorite activities – some are refusing to attend school.  Facing an entitled and tech-addicted teen? Dealing with ADHD, ODD or RAD?

Some parents are struggling with their child self-harming and having dark thoughts (suicide ideation) that can be very frightening.

In most cases, they are good kids making bad choices – although parents are hoping this is a phase, it will pass, sadly it has not.

It has escalated to more than typical teenage behavior, the parent has lost control and authority over their teen – they have exhausted their local resources and now need behavioral boarding schools.

Studies tell us that parents are not imagining this spike in negative behavior and teenage mental health concerns:

• Since 2019 youth depression and anxiety has doubled – JAMA Network
• Since 2020 More students are missing school due to anxiety – ACAMH
• Since 2020 Teen drug overdose rose sharply (experts blaming fentanyl laced pills) – JAMA Network
• Since 2019 study reveals rise in adolescent suicide attempts – CDC
• Since 2020 Cyberbullying has increased 40% — teens that are harassed online are twice as likely to self-harm and attempt suicide – Science Daily

Boarding Therapeutic Schools for Troubled Teens

It is time to decide what type of therapeutic boarding school your troubled teen needs. Most parents will turn to the internet to search for schools for troubled teens. Although it can seem confusing and daunting, our tips can help your navigate online searches to find the right treatment for your teen.

Christian Boarding Schools can be beneficial for families that are searching for a spiritual foundation, however it is imperative you consider a Christian therapeutic boarding school with a spiritual foundation in order to have qualified clinical staff and accredited academics.

Residential Treatment Centers (and sometimes considered rehabs), provide a more intense therapy for substance abuse, mental illness, as well as other behavioral problems.

Therapeutic Boarding Schools offers emotional, clinical, and academic support to teenagers with both behavioral issues and mental health problems.

With these choices, there are very slight differences and typically your teenager should be able to succeed in what you decide is best for them. Unless your teen has been diagnosed with a serious mental illness that requires a psychiatric hospital or more intense clinical setting, all these choices should be able to help your troubled teen.

What’s important is to find that school or program that has enrichment programs that will stimulate your teenager in a positive direction, such as:

• Sports therapy
• Gardening therapy
• Animal therapy (equine, canine, ranching)
• Art therapy
• Music therapy

Have you narrowed it down to a couple of good choices for your teenager? We have questions to help you interview the schools and programs to give you more insights on what is the right decision for your family.

Making the decision to enroll your teen into a therapeutic boarding school is a major emotional and financial step.

There are many excellent troubled youth programs in our country — with time and diligence you will be able to find the right school for your child’s individual needs.

Read: Where to Send My Troubled Teen.

Read: 5 Benefits of Therapeutic Boarding Schools.

Read: Are Therapeutic Boarding Schools Effective?

###

If you’re having difficulties finding the right treatment for your troubled teen, contact us for a free consultation. Since 2001 we have educated parent about behavioral boarding schools.

The post Treatment for Teen Behavioral Issues first appeared on Help Your Teens.

It’s no secret that adolescence is a time of significant change and challenge. Teens navigate a
complex web of academic expectations, peer pressure, self-discovery, and increasing responsibility. Coupled with the hormonal changes of puberty, these pressures can often lead to anxiety, stress, and other mental health issues.

But imagine if we could alleviate some of this burden by ensuring our teenagers’ financial stability – not just now, but well into their future. This is where life insurance comes into play, a tool not often associated with mental health but one that holds the potential to offer substantial support in ways you might not have considered.

Understanding Life Insurance

Life insurance can sometimes seem like an impenetrable maze of jargon and figures, but at its heart, it’s relatively straightforward. Here’s a deeper dive into understanding life insurance and its key components:

The Basics of Life Insurance

Life insurance is a contractual relationship between you and an insurance company. You agree to pay regular premiums, and in return, the insurance company commits to providing a death benefit to your designated beneficiaries if you pass away.

This death benefit is a sum of moneythat can help your loved ones manage the financial fallout of your demise. This financial cushioncan assist in maintaining your family’s lifestyle, settling any debts, covering funeral costs, andeven addressing future needs like your teenager’s education.

Life insurance is more than just a product; it’s a long-term commitment to your family’s financial stability. While it requires thoughtful consideration and planning, the potential benefits it offers – financial security, investment growth, and peace of mind – can significantly support your teenager’s mental well-being.

Types of Life Insurance Policies

There are several types of life insurance policies, each with its unique features and benefits:

Term Life Insurance

This is the simplest and often most affordable type of life insurance. It provides coverage for a
specific term, typically 10, 20, or 30 years.

Under this, you can also opt for renewable term life insurance. Now, you’re probably wondering what is renewable term life insurance. It allows you to renew your coverage at the end of each term without undergoing a new medical examination. This means that even if your health condition has changed during the initial term, you can continue the coverage without facing potential increases in premiums due to your updated health status.

Whole Life Insurance

This type of policy provides lifelong coverage and has an investment component known as the policy’s “cash value”. Your premiums are divided into the cost of insurance and the cash value. The cash value grows over time and can be borrowed against or even cashed out during your lifetime.

Universal Life Insurance

It is a flexible type of permanent life insurance that combines a death benefit with a cash value component. It offers the ability to adjust premium payments and death benefits within certain limits, providing financial flexibility. The policy’s cash value accumulates over time on a tax-deferred basis and can be used for borrowing or withdrawals. Universal life insurance allows you to customize coverage to meet changing needs and may include investment options. It offers control and adaptability for long-term financial security.

The Impact of Financial Stability on Mental Health

Understanding the connection between financial stability and mental health is crucial. It not only underscores the importance of financial planning but also the role it can play in supporting the
emotional well-being of your family, especially your teenagers.

The effects of financial instability extend beyond the wallet. It can have severe mental health implications. This is because financial stress can lead to feelings of insecurity, worry, and anxiety. Over time, these feelings can develop into more serious mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety.

These effects are amplified in teenagers, who are already in a vulnerable phase of life. Adolescence is a period of immense change and growth, filled with hormonal shifts, evolving social dynamics, and academic pressures.

Financial instability in the family can add another layer of stress to this already tumultuous time. When teenagers are aware of financial strains, they may worry about their future, the stability of their living situation, and even basic needs like food and clothing. This constant worry can detract from their ability to focus on schoolwork, engage in social activities, and simply enjoy being a teenager.

Conversely, financial stability can act as a buffer against mental health challenges. When teenagers feel secure in their family’s financial situation, they can focus more on navigating their challenges, rather than worrying about potential financial hardships. This sense of security can help promote resilience, reduce the likelihood of mental health issues, and foster a healthier outlook on life.

Life Insurance: A Safety Net and Tool for Investment

Life insurance serves a dual purpose: providing a safety net for your family’s financial well-being
and acting as a tool for investment and savings. Let’s explore how life insurance can offer both
security and future-oriented benefits, supporting your teenager’s mental well-being along the
way.

A Safety Net for Financial Security

Life insurance ensures that your family is cared for financially in the event of your untimely demise. This assurance alone can greatly reduce your teenager’s worries about the future, alleviating the burden of financial uncertainty during an already challenging time. Knowing thatthere is a safety net in place can provide a profound sense of security, contributing to improved mental well-being.

Moreover, some life insurance policies, particularly permanent ones like whole life and universal
life insurance, accumulate cash value over time. This cash value can serve as an additional layer of security. In emergencies or unforeseen circumstances, the policy’s cash value or surrender value can be accessed, providing your family with a financial cushion when it’s needed most.

Investment and Savings Potential

Beyond the death benefit, certain types of life insurance policies offer investment or savings
components, allowing you to plan for your teenager’s future financial needs. Whole life and
universal life insurance policies, for instance, accumulate cash value over time.

As a parent, this presents a robust strategy to secure your teenager’s financial future. The cash value growth within the policy can be utilized in various ways. It can be borrowed to coverexpenses such as education or invested to further grow the value over time.

By incorporatinglife insurance as a savings tool, you provide a sense of stability and security for your teenager’sfinancial journey, significantly reducing anxiety levels and fostering their overall mental well-being.

Conclusion

Wrapping up, life insurance plays a vital role in supporting teen mental health. By providing a
safety net, financial stability, and investment potential, life insurance reduces worries about the
future, alleviates financial stressors, and fosters a sense of security.

This support allows teenagers to focus on their personal growth, navigate the challenges of adolescence, and promote overall mental well-being. Life insurance becomes a valuable tool in nurturing and safeguarding their emotional health for a brighter and more secure future.

Also read:

How Boxing Helps Teenage Mental Health

What Are Therapeutic Boarding Schools?

The post How Life Insurance Can Support Teen Mental Health first appeared on Help Your Teens.

According to the CDC, the rates of suicide, self harm, anxiety and depression are up among adolescents – a trend that began before the pandemic.

60 Minutes recently aired a chilling episode sharing the crisis many parents are facing with their adolescents since the pandemic. According to the CDC, hospital admissions data shows the number of teenage girls who have been suicidal has increased 50% nationwide since 2019.

There are lots of theories on why – social media, increased screen time and isolation —  however it doesn’t diminish the fact of the lack of resources families are facing when trying to find help.

Watch this segment and share with a friend. Learn more about how residential treatment can help your loved one if you’ve exhausted your local resources — it’s important to be proactive in getting our next generation the mental health services they need.

Read the transcript.

Read: The 5 Benefits of Therapeutic Boarding Schools.

Read: Help for Struggling Young Adults.

###

For more information on residential treatment for your troubled teenager, contact us today for a free consultation.

The post Teens Are Struggling with Self-Harm and Suicidal Thoughts first appeared on Help Your Teens.

However, there are things that you can do to help your teen maintain good mental health and get rid of anxiety. In this blog post, we will discuss the different ways that you can help your teen overcome these challenges. So, if you’re a parent of a teen who is struggling with mental health, keep reading.

Psychotherapy Sessions

The most effective way to help your teen overcome mental health challenges is to seek professional help. This can be in the form of psychotherapy sessions with a licensed therapist. Therapists are licensed professionals who are trained to help people overcome mental health challenges. They can provide your teen with the tools and resources they need to cope with their anxiety and improve their mental health. 

Nutrition

What your teen eats plays a big role in their overall health, including their mental health. A nutritious diet can help improve mood, cognitive function, and energy levels. Conversely, an unhealthy diet can worsen mental health symptoms. To ensure that your teen is getting the nutrients they need, encourage them to eat a balanced diet  that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. If necessary, your child can also visit a nutritionist who can help them develop a healthy eating plan. Keep in mind that a healthy diet is not a cure-all, but it can certainly help improve your teen’s mental health. That’s why you should encourage your teen to eat healthy foods as often as possible.

Hobbies

Another way to help your teen overcome mental health challenges is to encourage them to pursue their interests and hobbies. Doing things that make them happy can help reduce stress, improve mood, and increase feelings of self-worth. It can also provide a much-needed distraction from negative thoughts and anxiety-provoking situations. Help your teen find a hobby or activity that they enjoy and make sure to encourage them to pursue it as often as possible. For example, if your teen enjoys painting, help them set up a space in their room where they can paint to their heart’s content. Or, if your teen enjoys playing sports, help them join a local team or league.

Healthy Sleeping Habits

In addition to healthy nutrition, another important factor in maintaining good mental health is getting enough sleep. Teens need around eight to ten hours of sleep every night in order to function at their best. Unfortunately, many teens do not get enough sleep due to late-night homework sessions, after-school activities, early morning classes, or simply because of screen time. As a result, they may suffer from sleep deprivation, which can worsen mental health symptoms. To help your teen get enough sleep, encourage them to establish healthy sleeping habits. This includes going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, avoiding caffeine before bed, and limiting screen time in the evening.

Education

One of the best things you can do for your teen is to educate yourself on mental health. The more you know about mental health, the better equipped you will be to help your teen overcome their challenges. There are a number of great resources out there that can help you learn more about mental health. For example, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is a great resource for information on mental health disorders, treatments, and research. The NIMH website also has a number of helpful resources for parents and guardians. Another great resource is the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA). The ADAA website has a wealth of information on anxiety and depression, including information on symptoms, treatment options, and resources for parents and guardians.

Make Time for Fun

Lastly, it’s important to make time for fun. Just because your teen is dealing with mental health challenges doesn’t mean that they can’t enjoy their life. In fact, it’s important to encourage your teen to have fun and enjoy their teenage years. Make sure to set aside time each week for activities that your teen enjoys, such as going to the movies, hanging out with friends, or playing video games. You can also encourage your teen to pursue their interests and hobbies, as we already mentioned. Doing things that make them happy can help reduce stress, improve mood, and increase feelings of self-worth.

Encouraging your teen to pursue a healthy lifestyle, hobbies they enjoy, and getting a good education are all great ways to help them overcome mental health challenges. In addition, making time for fun is also an important part of helping your teen maintain good mental health. By following these tips, you can help your teen live a happy and stress-free life.

Read: What is the Goal of Residential Treatment?

Read: Where can I send my troubled teenager?

Read: 5 Benefits of Therapeutic Boarding Schools.

###

If you are struggling with your teenager’s behavior and have exhausted your local resources, learn more about how residential treatment can help your troubled teen through emotional growth. Contact us today for a free consultation.

The post How To Help Your Teen Maintain Good Mental Health first appeared on Help Your Teens.