Is Your Teen Hanging with the Wrong Crowd? Here’s How to Steer Them Back on Track

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Helping your teen separate from bad influences can feel like a constant struggle. You want to protect them, but they’re not always on board with your plans. So, how do you do it? Here’s how to help your teen move away from negative friendships and into healthier, happier ones.

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Set Clear Boundaries and Stick to Them

First things first—set those boundaries. You’re the parent, and it’s your job to keep your teen safe. If their friends are leading them down a bad path, it’s time to put up some guardrails. This might mean limiting social media, cutting back on unsupervised outings, or even moving to a new area if things are really tough. Be clear about what’s allowed and what’s not, and make sure your teen knows you mean business.

Talk to Your Teen—Yes, Really Talk

Before you go full-on “helicopter parent,” remember that communication is key. Sit down with your teen and talk about your concerns. Don’t just lay down the law—explain why you’re worried and how these friendships are affecting them. Listen to what they have to say too. You might be surprised at what’s really going on behind the scenes.

Teach Decision-Making Skills

Teens need to learn how to make good choices, and this means teaching them how to weigh the pros and cons of their actions. Discuss hypothetical situations or real-life scenarios where they have to make tough decisions. Ask them what they would do, and talk through the possible outcomes together. Over time, this will help them make better decisions, especially when you’re not there to guide them.

Create a Fresh Start

Sometimes, the best way to move forward is with a clean slate. If your teen’s social circle is toxic, it might be time for a fresh start. Moving to a new school or neighborhood can help, but so can encouraging new hobbies and activities. The more positive influences you can introduce into their life, the better. And yes, this might involve a little “digital detox” to break those online ties.

Address Underlying Issues

A teen’s involvement with a negative peer group might be a symptom of deeper issues like anxiety, depression, or trauma. If this sounds familiar, it’s crucial to address these underlying problems. Consider seeking the help of a professional counselor or therapist who can work with your teen to process their emotions and develop healthier coping mechanisms. It’s not just about removing the bad influences—it’s about helping your teen build a strong, healthy foundation.

Encourage Positive Friendships

Teens need friends—it’s just a fact of life. But they need the right kind of friends. Encourage your teen to get involved in activities where they can meet peers who share similar interests and values. Sports, clubs, volunteering—anything that gets them around people who can be a good influence. It might take time, but with a little patience, they’ll find their tribe.

Encourage Open-Mindedness About Change

Teens can be resistant to change, especially when it comes to their social circles. Encourage your teen to be open-minded about making new friends or trying new activities. This can be a slow process, so start small. Maybe it’s joining a new club at school or attending a social event where they might meet different people. The goal is to show them that change can be positive and that there are plenty of great people out there waiting to be their friend.

Be Patient and Persistent

This isn’t a quick fix, and it won’t happen overnight. There will be resistance, maybe even some anger, but stick with it. Your teen might not thank you now, but down the road, they’ll be glad you stood firm. Keep the lines of communication open, stay consistent with your boundaries, and don’t be afraid to seek help if you need it.

This post is inspired by Reddit user twogaydad’s question

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