15 Red Flags in Teenage Behavior

Navigating adolescence can be challenging for teens. Your teenager is dealing with hormonal changes and social pressures and is trying to figure out who they are and who they want to be. These transformations often influence teens’ moods and behavior, making it hard for parents to distinguish between typical teenage behavior and potential indicators of underlying mental health concerns.

It’s crucial for parents to be able to identify red flags in teenage behavior and seek timely intervention and support. 

When you can spot the warning signs of teen mental health issues, you can prevent them from escalating. Here are 15 red flags in teenage behavior to watch out for.

1. Sudden Withdrawal

If your previously outgoing and social teen suddenly withdraws from their usual social circles, family interactions, or activities they used to enjoy, this behavior should raise concerns.

An example of sudden withdrawal could be if your teen who used to spend weekends with friends suddenly starts declining invitations and spending all their time alone in their room. Or if they decide to quit a sports team or an afterschool activity they used to enjoy without a plausible explanation. Sudden withdrawal could be a sign of emotional distress, depression, or other mental health issues.

2. Strange Sleep Patterns

Teenagers often go through changes in their sleep patterns because of hormonal shifts and changes in their circadian rhythm. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that teenagers aged 13-18 years should sleep 8-10 hours per day, but your teen may deviate from this recommendation slightly.

However, persistent and extreme deviations from healthy sleep habits, such as frequent late nights followed by excessive sleeping during the day or difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, can indicate underlying issues. They can be a manifestation of mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety disorder. Substance abuse or excessive screen time before bedtime can also contribute to sleep disturbances.

3. Extreme Mood Swings

Mood swings are a healthy part of typical teen behavior, but moodiness can sometimes escalate to levels that suggest deeper emotional issues or mood disorders.

If your teenager goes through intense and frequent mood swings, shifting rapidly from intense happiness to profound sadness over short periods, it can be a sign of a mental health disorder. Another warning sign is if your teen suddenly becomes extremely irritable or hostile toward family members and peers without apparent cause. Emotional instability can signal mental health challenges such as bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder.

4. Changes in Academic Performance

Changes in academic performance are not uncommon for teenagers as they navigate hormonal changes and increased peer pressure, but a significant and sudden decline is one of the red flags in teenage behavior.

If your teen who used to do well academically starts receiving failing grades or demonstrating a lack of interest in schoolwork, it could be a sign of academic stress, learning disabilities, mental health concerns, or substance abuse. Consider communicating with your teen’s teachers and school counselors and possibly seeking professional help from a mental health expert.

5. Sudden Changes in Eating Behavior

If your teenager’s eating habits suddenly change, it could be a warning sign for your teenager’s mental health. These changes may or may not be accompanied by changes in weight. 

If your teen shows extreme dieting behaviors, such as restricting foods or obsessively counting calories, it could be a sign of an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. Research shows that 13% of teens will develop an eating disorder by the age of 20, so if you notice sudden and severe changes in your teen’s eating habits, make sure to contact a mental health professional.

6. Not Taking Care of Themselves

During adolescence, teenagers navigate body changes and adjust to hormonal shifts. It’s normal for your teen to struggle with their appearance, but persistent neglect of basic self-care tasks such as bathing, grooming, and wearing clean clothes can indicate deeper problems.

If your teen routinely neglects personal hygiene, they may be experiencing symptoms of depression, low self-esteem, or overwhelming stress. Substance abuse or unhealthy relationships can also contribute to a lack of self-care.

7. Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is one of the most significant red flags in teenage behavior. Many teens experiment with drugs and alcohol as they navigate peer pressure and curiosity. However, when substance use escalates to abuse or dependence, it can have severe consequences on your teenager’s physical health and mental well-being.

Signs of substance abuse may include secretive behavior, sudden changes in friends or social circles, declining academic performance, mood swings, and physical changes such as bloodshot eyes or unexplained weight loss.

Maintain open communication with your teen and educate them about the risks of substance abuse. Reach out to a mental health professional if you suspect that your teen is struggling with substance abuse. Early intervention and support can prevent further harm and facilitate recovery.

8. Self-Harm

One of the most distressing red flags in teenage behavior, self-harm is when a teenager intentionally inflicts injury or pain on themselves. It often stems from underlying emotional pain or mental health issues such as depression or eating disorders.

If you notice unexplained cuts, bruises, or burns on your teen, particularly in areas that are easily concealed, such as the wrists, thighs, or abdomen, seek professional help. You may also notice your teenager wearing long sleeves or pants even in warm weather to hide marks or scars. Changes in behavior such as withdrawal from social activities, expressing feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness, or sudden mood swings may also indicate that your teen is struggling with self-harm.

9. Isolation

It’s normal to want to spend some time alone to process thoughts and feelings. However, if your teen consistently withdraws from social interactions, avoids spending time with friends or family, and isolates themselves in their room, it may indicate loneliness, depression, or anxiety.

Some teenagers are simply more introverted than others, but if your teen’s behavior seems like a personality change, or is accompanied by other warning signs, such as changes in sleeping or eating patterns, lack of interest in hobbies or extracurricular activities, and low self-esteem, it could be a sign of a developing mental illness.

10. Aggressive Behavior

It’s normal for teens to have occasional angry outbursts as they navigate hormonal changes and increased peer pressure. Over time, they’ll learn to develop healthy coping strategies. However, persistent and extreme displays of aggression can be cause for concern.

Pay close attention to warning signs such as frequent arguments with family members or friends, physical fights, or hostility towards authority figures or property. Teenagers who struggle with anger management issues may also engage in behaviors such as punching walls, slamming doors, or breaking objects in moments of rage.

11. Excessive Screen Time

Most people use screens every day, and it’s typically not a cause for concern. However, spending excessive hours on screens, such as smartphones, computers, or gaming consoles in lieu of face-to-face interaction or other adaptive behaviors, can lead to detrimental effects on teenagers’ physical health, mental well-being, and social development.

Be mindful of signs such as withdrawal from face-to-face interactions, neglect of responsibilities such as schoolwork or chores, disrupted sleep patterns, and increased irritability or moodiness when screen time is limited. Excessive screen time also comes with an increased risk of cyberbullying or online predators. It’s important to communicate with your teenager and establish healthy screen time limits.

12. Risky Behaviors

Experimenting is normal, but there’s a healthy balance between trying new things and engaging in risky behaviors. Reckless driving, substance abuse, engaging in unprotected sexual activity, experimenting with drugs or alcohol, participating in dangerous stunts or challenges, and seeking out potentially harmful situations can all be signs of emotional distress or mental health conditions.

Teenagers may engage in risky behaviors to rebel against authority, seek peer approval, or cope with stress or emotional turmoil. Create a safe and supportive environment for your teen and address risk behaviors with empathy. Seeking help from mental health professionals can also be helpful in some situations.

13. Secretive Behavior

If your teen becomes overly secretive about their activities, whereabouts, or online interactions, it may suggest they are hiding something from you or engaging in behaviors they feel ashamed or embarrassed about.

It’s normal for your teen to want more privacy and independence than when they were younger, and it’s important to strike a balance between privacy and parental oversight. If they are always locking their bedroom door or being evasive when asked about their plans, it may be time to open up a dialogue and express your concerns in a nonjudgmental way.

14. Preoccupation with Body Image

As teenagers navigate significant hormonal changes and a highly image-focused society, it’s typical for them to be preoccupied with body image. However, if your teen is excessively focused on their appearance, constantly comparing themselves to unrealistic standards, or uses restrictive diets to attempt to change their body or appearance, it’s a red flag that may signal a deeper emotional struggle or an eating disorder.

Watch out for warning signs like obsessive dieting, excessive exercise, constant weighing or measuring of body parts, or avoiding social situations that involve being seen by others.

15. Low Self-Esteem

It’s normal for teens to struggle with confidence as they go through self-discovery. However, persistent signs of low self-esteem such as negative self-talk, excessive self-criticism, or seeking validation from others, can be a sign of depression or anxiety disorder.

Notice if your teen avoids social interactions, consistently compares themselves unfavorably to peers, or expresses a lack of confidence in their abilities. Teenagers with low self-esteem may engage in self-destructive behaviors or seek out unhealthy relationships. It’s essential to provide your teen with unconditional love, support, and encouragement to help build their self-confidence and resilience. Working with a therapist can also be highly beneficial.

Spotting Red Flags in Teenage Behavior

If you notice any of the red flags in teenage behavior discussed in this article, it’s essential to approach the situation with empathy and open communication. Express your concern and offer your support without judgment. Listen to your teenager’s perspective and validate their feelings.

Depending on the severity of the red flags, consider seeking professional help from a therapist who specializes in adolescent mental health. Early intervention can make a significant difference and help your teenager thrive.

Dealing with Red Flags in Teenage Behavior: Should My Teen See a Therapist?

Noticing red flags in teenage behavior can be extremely stressful for parents. It can be hard to distinguish between behaviors that are a part of normal adolescent development (ex: desire for more independence and privacy, mood swings, etc.) and warning signs of deeper emotional distress or a mental health disorder.

If your teenager’s behavior is significantly impacting their daily functioning, relationships, or well-being, it may be time to consider therapy. A therapist can provide a safe and nonjudgmental space for your teenager to explore their thoughts and feelings and develop healthier coping strategies so they can heal and thrive. Learn more about therapy for teenagers.