9 Significant Health Risks for Teens and How to Protect Them

There are many potential health risks teens face every day. As a parent, you should be aware of them. You must watch for them to see if your child is in any danger.

Let’s discuss some teen health risks and what you might do about them.

Suicide

Some teens who suffer from depression may think about suicide. Suicidal treatment centers exist, and you may need to consult one. Watch your teen closely to see if they ever talk about self-harm if they feel depressed.

Drug Addiction

Some teens run the risk of becoming addicted to drugs if they start using them. Talk to your kids about drugs and make sure they have all the facts. 

Social Media Issues

Many teens love using social media. There is not necessarily any issue with that, but if you find that they’re becoming distressed because of interactions that they’re having on there, you may need to talk to them about using a platform less or getting off of it entirely. 

Bullying

Bullying, whether it’s taking place online or in person, can certainly harm your teen. Watch for signs of depression, which could indicate bullying is taking place. Look for bruises, cuts, or any physical signs of bullying as well. If you see any of that, talk to your teen about some possible solutions. 

Peer Pressure

Peer pressure can become a danger to your teen very easily. It can be the factor that leads your child to do something dangerous that they wouldn’t normally do. Talk to them about that, and also make sure you meet all of their friends to see whether you approve of them. 

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are distressingly common among teens as well as adults. Some teens might feel the need to stay thin, especially if they’re getting bullied about their weight. Talk to them about eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia, and watch for the signs as well. 

Radicalization

These days, more teens are getting radicalized by individuals who they watch on YouTube or other social media platforms. These situations can lead to school shootings and other horrifying events. Try to be aware of what your teens are watching on social media. If you know they’re watching an influencer who has harmful ideas, you may need to intervene.  

Toxic Friends

You might also find that your teen is spending time with friends who you think are a bad influence on them. They may do things that you don’t approve of, and tell your child to do the same. Try to meet these friends. If it becomes necessary, forbid your teen from hanging out with them. 

STDs and Pregnancy

During the teenage years, hormones start working overtime. It’s natural for teens to want to explore their bodies and sexuality. However, if they find a partner to do this with, pregnancy and STDs are legitimate possibilities. You should try to have a frank and earnest conversation with your teen about the possible risks if they engage in this kind of behavior.