Understanding teenage rebellion

Have you ever wondered why teenagers are commonly known for their rebellion? Why are most teens in TV dramas difficult to talk to, to the point where you feel like screaming at them? 

Now, teenage years are when adolescents start shaping their identity and personality based on their environment. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind teenage rebellion during this critical period of development.

Reasons why teens rebel might include:

• Identity Formation: 

Teens are actively exploring their own identities, which often involves rejecting or questioning parental values and beliefs, making it a bit difficult for them to accept things as they are. They want to know, define, and understand the world around them.

• Seeking Independence:

As they transition towards adulthood, teens naturally seek greater autonomy and control over their lives, leading to a push against parental authority. They may define independence wrongly, leading to many reckless behaviors like mindless driving, substance abuse, or risky sexual behaviors.

• Peer Influence:

Teens are highly influenced by their peer groups, as well as their environment. They may engage in rebellious behaviors to gain acceptance or fit in with their group.  They also might act rebellious to seek attention from others, including their parents or peers, to feel noticed.

• Brain Development:

Teenage rebellion is significantly influenced by their brain development, particularly the imbalance between the early-developing emotional center (limbic system) and the later-developing logical decision-making part (prefrontal cortex). This means teens are more driven by emotions, impulses, and rewards, making them prone to risk-taking and acting without fully considering consequences.

How to manage rebellious tendencies? (as a teenager) 

1. Being self-aware

Developing self-awareness and impulse control is the key here. Now, imagine your mom telling you to stop playing a video game you love, you feel she’s controlling you, but before reacting, you should pause and think, try to figure out why you felt triggered 

• Do you feel misunderstood?

• Is the video game worth the fight?

 Try to pause for ten seconds, take a deep breath, or step away from the situation for a few minutes. This gives your prefrontal cortex a chance to catch up.

Labelling your emotions can help too! So in your pause calming session, you can try to define your feelings like "I feel frustrated," "I feel unheard," "I feel stifled." Naming the emotion can help you process it rather than just reacting. 

Try mindfulness too, focusing on your breath for a few minutes, can help you become more present and less reactive.

2. Improving communication with guardians

Choosing the perfect moments to talk to them is crucial, as speaking to an angry person would only lead to explosions. Try finding a moment when you’re both calm. 

Listen actively to your parents' concerns and perspectives, even if you disagree. This shows respect and can de-escalate tension.  

Instead of just complaining, think about what you want to achieve and how you might compromise to get there. These basic negotiation skills are what you’re going to need later in life.

3. Channeling the drive for independence constructively

Journaling your thoughts and feelings can be a powerful way to process them and gain clarity without feeling the need to act on every impulse. Additionally, engaging in activities that provide a sense of accomplishment, teach new skills, and allow for self-expression can be beneficial. This could include sports, arts, volunteering, part-time jobs, or joining clubs. These activities can help you take on more responsibilities, fostering personal growth and a sense of independence.

Reference List

Azab, M. (2018). Why Are Teens So Emotional? [online] Psychology Today. Available at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/neuroscience-in-everyday-life/201810/why-are-teens-so-emotional.

Wikipedia. (2021). Teenage rebellion. [online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teenage_rebellion.

Child-focus.org. (2024). How to Survive Your Teen's Rebellious Phase | Child Focus. [online] Available at: https://www.child-focus.org/news/how-to-survive-your-teens-rebellious-phase/.

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