The teen years can be extremely challenging. We tend to romanticise adolescence once we have left it behind, remembering it as a time when we were carefree and had many paths open to us. In reality, the years between thirteen and nineteen are fraught for many young people as friendships emerge and erode, academic pressures mount, facing decisions about the future, and they are introduced to sex and romance in ways which are often excruciatingly awkward and uncertain. 

What’s more, adolescents now face new pressures as a result of myths about teenage life that abound in popular media, as well as in the expectations of their parents and communities. Gen Z and Gen A are often held up as ‘the future’ while being expected to perform roles as good children, siblings, and students. Given the pressure they feel to be perfect, it’s understandable that many teens feel the need to challenge their parents and lash out!

Part of helping support young people in navigating the complex path of their teenage years safely is understanding the challenges they face. Below, I explore several of those challenges – some of which have always been a feature of adolescence but some of which have been brought about by modern life – and outline where teens are likely to struggle most. As I often say, having the right information about good mental health is one of the most important ways to help maintain it, especially when it comes to helping the teens in your life.

The Myth of a Perfect Life

In an era dominated by idealized portrayals of life, adolescents often feel pressured to achieve perfection. Social media platforms magnify this myth, leading many young people to develop unrealistic expectations. Research highlights how curated online personas can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety among those who feel unable to live up to idealised versions of their peers on screen.[1] However, it’s important to remind adolescents that real life is inherently flawed and unique.

Family Expectations

Family can be a significant source of support but also stress. Adolescents frequently face pressure to meet parental expectations regarding academics, career choices, and behavior. This pressure can lead to stress and hinder teenagers’ autonomy and self-exploration.[2] Without the freedom to act safely, the sense of self and stability can suffer, leading to confusing outbursts, misbehaviour, or even dissociation.

Academic Pressure

The contemporary education system often emphasizes performance and outcomes, leading to significant academic pressure for adolescents. Research has identified that excessive academic demands can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression.[3] While school is important, so is everyday life, and we too often forget that many skills are learned in the real world, too. In addition, not every student needs to attend university to thrive: encouraging a balanced approach to academics and life can help alleviate pressure to excel in what can be a challenging environment for many.

Body Image and Appearance

Body image concerns are widespread among adolescents – predominately young women but increasingly young men, as I have explored before. The media continually supports unattainable beauty standards – from airbrushing in magazines to films and TV series being filled with the most beautiful people in the best shape of their lives. Research has found that negative body image is associated with an increased risk of eating disorders, loneliness, and low self-esteem[4], and at a time when self-awareness is relatively new, and the body feels out of control, teenagers are especially vulnerable to concerns about body image and appearance.

Peer Pressure

Peer relationships (friendships) are integral during adolescence, but they can also lead to risky behaviors. Many studies have emphasized that peer pressure can influence decisions regarding substance use, skipping school, and other negative activities.[5] While a certain amount of risk can be good for teens, harmful behavior is not, so encouraging healthy, supportive friendships is critical. Equally critical is understanding the difference between true friendships and unhealthy relationships based on insecurity and shame.

Social Media

While social media offers opportunities for connection, it also presents risks. Excessive use has been linked to poorer mental health outcomes, such as anxiety and depression.[6] Therefore, educating adolescents on responsible social media use and fostering digital literacy is key to mitigating these effects.

Toxic Versus Healthy Stress Relief

Adolescents often struggle to manage stress in a healthy way. While positive strategies include exercise, mindfulness, and creative pursuits, many teens find themselves turning to unhealthy strategies such as alcohol and substance use, avoidance behaviors, and even self-harm.[7]

How to Ask for Help

Many adolescents struggle to seek help because they fear judgment or stigma. Therefore, it’s important to create environments where open communication is encouraged. Resources like school counselors, helplines, and supportive online communities can be invaluable. Equipping teens with the skills to articulate their needs and seek assistance without shame is essential to ensuring that they can thrive as they transition from adolescence to adulthood.

As teenagers face countless challenges that can profoundly influence their development and mental health, understanding and addressing these issues through empathy, support, and education empowers both adolescents and the caregivers in their lives to navigate this turbulent period successfully. 

Sources:

[1] Chua, T. H. H., & Chang, L. (2016). Follow me and like my beautiful selfies: Singapore teenage girls’ engagement in self-presentation and peer comparison on social media. Computers in Human Behavior, 55, 190-197. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2015.09.011

[2] Lareau, A. (2011). Unequal childhoods: Class, race, and family life (2nd ed.). University of California Press.

[3] Lee, M., & Larson, R. (2000). The Korean “examination hell”: Long hours of studying, distress, and depression. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 29(2), 249-271. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1005160717081

[4] Tiggemann, M., & Slater, A. (2014). NetGirls: The Internet, Facebook, and body image concern in adolescent girls. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 47(6), 630-633. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.22341

[5] Brown, B. B. (2004). Adolescents’ relationships with peers. In R. M. Lerner & L. Steinberg (Eds.), Handbook of adolescent psychology (2nd ed., pp. 363-394). John Wiley & Sons.

[6] Twenge, J. M. (2019). The sad state of happiness in the United States and the role of digital media. In J. E. Maddux (Ed.), Subjective well-being and life satisfaction (pp. 99-107). Routledge.

[7] American Psychological Association. (2014). Stress in America: Are teens adopting adults’ stress habits? https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2013/stress-report.pdf