Anger Management for Teenagers

Anger Management for Teenagers




Overview

Teenagers who do not have the skills to manage their anger are likely to cause trouble for themselves and those around them. They usually have problems at home and at school. They may end up having problems with the police. If teenagers lack the ability to keep cool and manage their interactions, they may experience social withdrawal, academic underachievement, bullying, fighting and suicidal behaviors. Anger management techniques can teach young people how to change their behavior and to change their lives for the better, and the same techniques can help parents know what to do when tempers flare.
The Facts

Anger happens when people feel that something or someone has violated them. It's a normal human reaction that may occur from time to time. Teenagers with anger management problems respond to real or supposed grievances in excessive ways. They may be intimidating or outrightly aggressive. They may be impulsive and lack self-control. Such teenagers often misinterpret social cues, overreacting in ways that are likely to cause damage to people or property. Often they feel their only choice is aggression.
Parent Involvement

Learning how to manage anger and how to make good choices requires commitment, practice and patience from teens, together with their parents. They can practice positive social strategies, work on problematic behaviors and pursue successful outcomes at home, at school and at large. There are quite a few structured anger management programs for children and teenagers (see Resources). These programs help parents develop their listening skills and encourage improvements in their teen's communication and cooperation.
Techniques & Skills

Most anger management programs have several components: Social skills training encourages appropriate behavior in social situations. Coping skills training gets teenagers to explore effective ways to deal with anger and frustration. Problem-solving skills training helps teens learn to assess situations and to make good choices. Cognitive skills training helps identify patterns of relating, thinking and behaving that help or hinder, and how to make changes based on those patterns. Relaxation training teaches how to relax and let go of angry feelings.
Warning Signs

Many teens and families are able to work things out on their own, but some may need added supervision and support. If your teen seems to be angry most of the time, seems to have problems getting along with many different people and in many different settings, or is physically or verbally abusive, contact your local mental health professionals for further help. Other red flags you may notice include frequent fighting, cruelty to animals, property damage, using drugs and alcohol, strong interest in guns or other weapons, and gang affiliations.
Benefits

While not every teen has serious problems with anger, all teens benefit when they learn healthy ways to deal with their emotions. They gain increased self-awareness, better self-control, greater confidence and competence, and empathy and acceptance for themselves and others.







Anger Management for Teenagers