Teenagers Struggle With Parents' Divorce

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           Currently in America statistics from the US Census Bureau claim that 50% of marriages end in divorce. Couples struggle, but how does this breakdown of the family affect the teenagers involved?

            The top three causes of divorce, according to journalist Sherry Major, are financial problems, communication issues, and abuse (physical and verbal).

            Children react differently varying by age and gender. Teenage girls are more likely to become anxious and withdraw from their family.  In more difficult situations they may also have an eating disorder or become sexually active at a younger age, according to the Clinical Psychology Association (CPA) in North Central Florida.

            The CPA also says that teenage boys are more likely to act disobedient and aggressive. They too withdraw from their families.

            Jacqueline Kirby and Katherine Dean explain in their article on divorce that this is a hard time for all teenagers and many of them turn to drugs, alcohol, or a life of crime. Parents should remain calm and act as a supportive, helpful role model.

            According to an anonymous survey at Byrnes Freshman Academy (BFA), students react differently to a divorce. Some students have mentioned experiencing or knowing someone who is undergoing self-harm, drugs, alcohol, and even dropping out of school.

            For more information on helping your child through a difficult divorce, read The Intelligent Divorce, a book by Mark Banschick, M.D., a psychiatrist and child advocate.