Social Developments of a Seventeen Year Old Teenager
Society
16-18
Your teenager now is on the threshold of adulthood. They are seeking independence in a strong way. This phase can be a testing time for parents as they realize it’s time to let go of their baby to help them reach new heights. The parent-child bond, of course, will always remain. Just that it is changing course.
-
Your teen may spend the majority of his free time with friends or alone.
-
At seventeen, kids develop close friendships and become less likely to move back and forth between groups. They are beginning to understand that relationships are about give-and-take. They are more willing to adjust to another’s happiness.
-
They realize the importance of being dependable. They are able to make and keep commitments.
-
The parent/teen relationship may shift a little during this age. For some, that may mean growing apart as a teen gains independence, but for others, teens may actually grow closer as their desire to be rebellious phase fades away.
Have a talk on the following matters from time to time to gauge if your child is at risk:
-
Healthy relationships and safe sex: Educate them about birth control, consent, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
-
Drugs and alcohol: Talk openly about substance abuse. Educate them about the risks involved.
-
Internet: Ensure they are taking care of the following:
-
how to control the privacy of their online profiles
-
avoid posting personal details like phone numbers and addresses
-
use a good password that other people can’t guess easily
-
let you know if they get messages from people they don’t know
-
avoid sending pictures or videos they wouldn’t want the public at large to see
-
Even though your child may seem to want to move away from you, he still needs you to be there for timely guidance and advice.
Stay Tuned! Stay Relevant!
