Toxicity is not a monopoly of grown-ups. Kids, especially teens, can be just as nasty and hurtful. They may lash out at their parents, siblings, friends, or anyone else who crosses their path. Teens are a tough bunch to handle because they are grappling with all kinds of issues about who they are and who they want to be. Boys struggle with masculinity, girls struggle with femininity, and some struggle with both. It’s a rough time for them, no doubt.
But that doesn’t mean you have to put up with their toxic behavior. As a parent of teens, you need to know the signs that indicate they are being harmful to themselves and others. Read the article below, and you’ll learn how to spot teen toxicity.
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10 Signs Of A Toxic Teenager
1. They lie frequently and convincingly
Some teenagers are masters of deception. They can spin a web of lies about the most trivial or the most serious matters. Whether they want to escape trouble, impress others, get their way, or hide their flaws, they will resort to lying without remorse. They will also use their lies to control or exploit the people around them, playing on their emotions and sympathy.
2. They blame others for their problems
Toxic teenagers may refuse to take responsibility for their actions and mistakes. They may blame their parents, teachers, friends, or society for their failures, difficulties, or misfortunes. They may also play the victim and portray themselves as innocent and helpless while ignoring or denying the harm they cause to others.
3. They disrespect authority figures
Some teens are so toxic that they sneer and snarl at their parents, teachers, or any grown-ups who dare to steer or scold them. They may bicker, sass, snub, or rebel against them. They may also question or sabotage their power, or try to pit them against one another.
4. They have poor boundaries
A toxic teenager is like a vampire. They suck the life out of everyone around them by ignoring their boundaries. They don’t care if they trespass on someone’s privacy, space, or property, or if someone does the same to them. They can’t take no for an answer, and they can’t say no either. They manipulate or bully others into doing their bidding, or they let others walk all over them.
5. They are socially isolated
When teens turn toxic, they often pull away from the people who care about them the most. They would rather be by themselves, surfing the web, or hanging out with their bad influences. They shut down any efforts to connect, comfort, or counsel them.
See Also-10 Signs You Were Raised By A Toxic Mother
6. They are emotionally unstable
Toxic teenagers may experience frequent and intense mood swings, from anger to sadness to joy. They may react impulsively and unpredictably to situations, without considering the consequences. They may also have difficulty regulating their emotions or expressing them in healthy ways. They may resort to violence, self-harm, substance abuse, or other risky behaviors to cope with their feelings.
7. They are excessively jealous or possessive
Toxic teenagers behave like parasites. They feed on the misery of others and can’t stand to see anyone else happy, successful, or loved. They will do anything to ruin, outdo, or dominate others. They will also cling to their friends or like leeches, expecting them to worship, praise, and obey them, or they will leash out at them for being unfaithful, dishonest, or disloyal.
8. They have low self-esteem
Toxic teens often struggle with how they see themselves. They may think they are not good enough, not worthy of love, or not capable of anything. They may also envy others who seem to have it all or crave compliments and recognition from others. They may also lash out at themselves or others, finding faults and flaws to boost their own ego.
9. They lack empathy or remorse
Toxic teens often lack empathy and compassion for others. They may not care about how their words or actions hurt or affect others. They may also make excuses, defend, or downplay their behavior, or show no remorse or shame for it.
10. They are entitled or arrogant
Some teens are so toxic, they think they are the center of the universe. They act like they are entitled to everything, no matter how they behave or what they achieve. They don’t care about anyone else’s feelings, needs, or views. They are the kings and queens of their own little worlds, and everyone else is just a peasant.
Don’t turn a blind eye if you spot these signs in your teen, or someone else’s. Toxic behavior is not a phase that will pass. It can cause a lot of damage, not just to the teen, but also to their loved ones and the world around them.
Get professional help, like a counselor, therapist, or psychologist, who can figure out what’s going on and offer the right help and support. Don’t lose hope, toxic teens are not doomed or beyond repair. With the proper guidance, intervention, and care, they can turn their lives around and grow into healthy and happy adults.
