When teens are faced with problems, difficult decisions, choices, peer pressure, and constant criticism and judgment from parents, they often look for the easy way out. Rather than face the situation, a teen may choose to run away from home and leave it all behind. Teens often make rushed, uninformed decisions to run away. They do not think about how hard it is to try to live on the streets on their own or what dangerous predators will approach them. They are unaware of their increased chance for robbery, theft, prostitution, or a drug/alcohol addiction. They are simply focused on getting out of their current situation.
Statistics from the National Runaway Switchboard show that there are anywhere from 1 to 3 million runaway teens in America today. The reasons for teens running away may include:
* Teen pregnancy
* School problems, which may include bullying
* Seeking attention
* Substance, drug, or alcohol abuse
* Abuse (physical, mental, sexual) from a family member at home
* Mental health problems
* Disagreements with parents
* Rules at home
Teens may think that it is easier to survive on the streets than to deal with their current home life. They may not agree with their parents’ rules at home and want to make it on their own. They may be constantly fighting with their parents and think that leaving is the only solution. About 50% of teens run away for 1-3 days. About 5% will go 6 months or longer. The more days that your teen is on the street makes them more susceptible for dangerous situations. Their survival instincts begin to kick in and teen runaways may:
* Steal
* Sell drugs
* Dumpster dive
* Beg
* Prostitute
Teens may run away to friends or relatives where their basic needs such as food and shelter can be met. However, if they choose to go to the streets, they will need to find ways to get food and shelter. After two weeks on the streets, as many as 75% of teens will resort to theft, pornography, or drugs. Even more shocking is that 1 out of every 3 runaways will begin prostituting within 48 hours.
Runaway teens become more susceptible to malnutrition, HIV/AIDs, sexually transmitted disease, violent crimes, depression, abuse, robbery, and psychological disorders. If a teen finally comes home, they may suffer from depression or post traumatic stress disorder.
Many teens run away based on impulse, rather than critical thinking. They may be rebelling against a house rule or acting out for attention after a family quarrel. The statistics involving runaway teens are astounding enough to cause concern in any parent. If your teen has run away several times over small periods of time, their chances of being a chronic runaway is greatly increased. Their chances of progressing from a chronic runaway to a street youth increases with each runaway. These youths are solely on their own and depend upon themselves for food and shelter.
The devastating effects of a teen runaway is felt not only by the teens, but also by the family. A parent may not be sure of where to turn for help should they suspect their teen has run away. They should immediately file a missing persons report. Many parents are misinformed in thinking they need to wait 48 hours. However, federal law states that a missing persons report can be filed immediately for anyone under the age of 18. Be proactive and make many return calls to law enforcement regarding your teen.
If your teen returns home, it is important to show love and that you are happy for their return. Do not get angry or begin a screaming fight. This will only reinforce their reasoning for running away in the first place. Show love and support and talk through their reasons for running away. Voice concerns for their future as a street youth and what serious situations can occur.
If your teen is a chronic runaway or has tested the waters of running away, it may be time to consider seeking professional help. A regimented and structured boarding school may be the answer. Teens thrive when given discipline and order. If left to do as they please, they will act out. A boarding school may offer daily chores to teach responsibility. They may also incorporate extracurricular activities such as sports. Education and keeping up with school work is also important.
By sending them to a 24 hour supervised boarding school, you can ensure that they are constantly being guided and ministered in the right direction. Professionals can discuss and counsel your child on the serious consequences that running away can cause. Your child can begin to thrive in an educational environment while learning discipline, responsibility, and respect.
Smothering your child and guarding them in your home at all times is not the answer. This will only make them want to leave more. If your teen has considered, threatened, or acted upon their runaway impulses, sending them to a boarding school may be the solution that will keep them safe, while also looking to their future. Visit www.newcreationsboardingschool.org for more information on a Christian based boarding school that can help your teen learn to work through their issues, rather than running from them.
Related posts:
