Adolescent Behavior Issues

Could you please do an "objective" conversational response on how this person has done on their discussion on their discussion on adolescent behavior problems?

Your expert objective response should contribute thoughtful, unique and interesting information to add to their discussion.

This is their discussion:

I found in a search that communication devices rule an adolescents' life along with the mention of "sexting" in our text. The topic of "sexting," or the exchange of sexual images or messages between adolescents via cell phone with text messaging being the most popular form of electronic communication among teens in the United States (Judge, 2012). Adolescents use cell phones as an expression of emotional experiences and to help navigate developmental demands of peers (Judge, 2012).

Havighurst's theory of development was similar to Erikson's in that it happened in stages definable by achieving developmental tasks. These tasks had three potential sources such as physical maturity, personal values or pressure from society; while success for each stage lead to happiness and success of later tasks, failure lead to unhappiness, difficulties in society and problems with later tasks (Anderson, 2002). Adolescent behavior problems come more from trying to fit in with their peers, content with changes in their body (physically and physiologically) along with creation of their own identity, morals and values as part of the stages. Difference in culture, gender and sexual orientation can also affect difficulties faced during developmental stages.

According to Judge's (2012) study, he found only one peer-reviewed study showing 1% of minors (ages 10-17) participated in sexting; whereas looking at law enforcement agencies across the country between 2008 and 2009 there were 550 reported cases which may sound like a lot, but really is not given 75% of adolescence have access to cell phones.

Wade & Tavris (2012) mention that adolescents generally are not angry or unhappy, nor do they dislike parents (108). The kinds of problems that adolescents face more than children or adults are mood swings/depression, conflicts with parents and risky behavior and rules breaking (Wade & Tavris, 2012, pg. 97). The advice given to parents is to keep lines of communication open to help with problem solving, make sure they have a sense of purpose with good friends. I would also explain to parents the adolescents need for peer support and the role peers play along with the changes in brain development (Wade & Tavris, 2012). Suggestions given to parents with serious behavioral problems might include track the behaviors or get professional help.

References:

Anderson, L.W. (2002). "Havighurst, Robert J. (1900-1991)." Encyclopedia of Education. Retrieved November 30, 2013 from Encyclopedia.com

Judge, A. M. (2012). 'Sexting' Among U.S. Adolescents: Psychological and Legal Perspectives. Harvard Review Of Psychiatry (Taylor & Francis Ltd), 20(2), 86-96. doi:10.3109/10673229.2012.677360

Manning, M. (2002). Havighurst's Developmental Tasks, Young Adolescents, and Diversity. Clearing House, 76(2), 75.

Wade, C., & Tavris, C. (2012). Invitation to psychology (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Prentice Hall.