Unfortunately, runaway teens are an upsetting reality for many parents. Teens that run away are typically between the ages of 13 and 17. They may leave the safety of their home for a variety of reasons, including substance misuse, peer or societal pressure, problems with family members, or abuse. Fleeing their family at such a vulnerable age can make them susceptible to challenges including violence, addiction, homelessness, and mental health difficulties. Thankfully, with proper intervention, parents and caregivers can safely locate teens in a timely manner, so that they can begin on the road to a better, brighter future. 

If your teen is struggling with mental health, reach out to Beachside Teen Treatment today. Call us or visit our admissions page to get started.

Why Do Teens Run Away? 

There is no one reason that teenagers leave home prematurely. This action may stem from a single event or a combination of issues. Teens may be triggered by certain situations in their household that leave them feeling unsupported, neglected, overwhelmed, or misunderstood. Furthermore, teens may run away for fear of judgment. Struggles with sexual orientation, gender identity, and teen pregnancy can all contribute to a teen wanting to leave home. Additional factors linked to runaway teens are highlighted below. 

Mental Health

Poor mental health or undiagnosed mental illness can cause a teenager to want to run away. Difficulties such as parental divorce, trauma, identity struggles, and exterior pressures all correlate with heightened feelings of anxiety and depression. Because teenagers can have a hard time with impulse control, these issues may cause them to feel overwhelmed and leave on a whim. Furthermore, teenagers with conditions such as bipolar disorder may experience intense fluctuations in mood. Without proper treatment, this can cause them to engage in risky behavior—such as trying to live on the streets. 

Drug & Alcohol Misuse

Runaway teens often turn to drugs and/or alcohol as a way to escape their reality. For them,  these substances become an unhealthy coping mechanism. This often leads to dependency, debt, addiction, and worsening mental health issues. It can put them in dangerous—potentially life-threatening—situations, highlighting the need for swift intervention from loved ones. 

Warning Signs of a Runaway Teen

It is crucial to be aware of the warning signs of a runaway teenager so that you can recognize them in your loved one. Common indicators that your teenager may be considering leaving home include the following: 

• Withdrawal from family members and friends
• Sudden shifts in behavior
• Increased defiance
• Being secretive 
• Odd physical injuries
• Poor academic performance 
• Drug or alcohol use
• Obtaining large amounts of money without reason
• Showing an interest in movies or TV shows that highlight runaway teens

How to Prevent Runaway Teens

The best way to prevent your teenager from running away is to make them feel safe and heard in their home. It is important to instill an open line of communication with your child so that they know they can share their struggles with you without fear of punishment or judgment. If they feel that their triggers and feelings are validated, they are less likely to seek solace away from their family. Additional ways to prevent runaway teens are listed below.

Professional Intervention

If your teenager is struggling with mental health challenges or substance use issues, proper treatment may be necessary. Therapy can greatly help your teenager work through their triggers and stresses in a controlled and constructive environment. Furthermore, there are many drug and alcohol abuse programs specifically designed to meet the needs of teenagers. 

Set Boundaries

Boundaries play a critical role in creating secure relationships as they build a foundation for openness and a sense of belonging. Healthy boundaries promote high self-esteem and help relationships thrive by building trust, resolving conflict, and preventing harmful behaviors—such as avoidance or withdrawal. Furthermore, it is vital for parents to understand that boundaries are meant to ensure safety. Therefore, they cannot be temporary or one-time measures. They must be consistent and apply to the whole family.  

Co-regulate with Your Teenager

Whether dealing with the urge to run away or simply navigating the challenges of adolescence, your teen requires dependable caregivers who can offer reliable support in managing their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Adolescence is a time of intense hormonal changes, emotional fluctuations, and cognitive development—all of which need to be rooted in moments of safety and security with loving parents. To prevent teens from running away, it’s important to engage in regular and meaningful interactions where you are fully present, listening with empathy, and offering unwavering support.

Respond to Threats Calmly

When a teen threatens to run away, respond calmly rather than with anger or fear. Acknowledge their feelings while maintaining firm boundaries and consequences. Creating a space for open communication helps find solutions and prevents future threats—especially with teenagers who may act without thinking. 

How to Find a Runaway Teen

It is important to have a plan in place as a safeguard in case your teenager does run away. This keeps you from acting with impulsivity or panicking if your fear becomes a reality. Keep in mind that though time is important, it is also important to keep a level head and act methodically in this situation. Steps to help locate a runaway teen include:

• Call Authorities: It is crucial to get law enforcement involved sooner than later, so that you can locate your teenager before an unsafe situation arises. 
• Survey Their Room: Look for messages, receipts, or missing belongings that may indicate where they have gone. 
• Contact Neighbors and Friends: It is important to tap into your community in this situation. Ask those around you if they have seen or heard from your teenager. 
• Check Phone Records: Though it is important to respect privacy, when necessary parents can check search histories and call logs for clues as to where their teen has gone. 
• GPS Tracking: Some parents may have apps or technologies that can help track down their teen. However, it is important to note that tracking should be used responsibly and within reason. 
• Contact National Runaway Safeline: This resource offers parents with confidential guidance and support as they search for their loved one. 

Ways to Help a Teen When They Return Home

When your teen does return home it is important to show unwavering love and genuine concern. Though it is understandable to be frustrated, it is imperative not to display anger or make rash decisions. Ways to help include the following.

Seek Professional Treatment

If your teen is struggling with mental health issues or drug and alcohol misuse, seeking support from a reputable facility can make all the difference. Comprehensive programs such as residential treatment, partial hospitalization program (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), therapeutic educational programs, and aftercare provide the structure and guidance needed for lasting recovery. Through professional care, teenagers can address the underlying causes of their condition while developing healthy coping mechanisms. Additionally, they may have the opportunity to participate in peer support groups, connecting with others who share similar experiences on their journey to healing.

Show Unconditional Acceptance

When your teen returns after running away, they will likely display a mix of emotions. This commonly includes fear, confusion, and relief. Take this as a time to accept those feelings without judgment and show them unconditional love. While you may disagree with their behavior, you can still affirm how deeply you care about them. By offering this acceptance and support, you are showing that despite changes in rules or privileges, your belief in their value remains constant. 

Create a Plan to Support Your Teen

It is highly beneficial to create a plan that addresses your teen’s and family’s needs for structure and support. Start by identifying patterns that led to the runaway behavior and finding healthier alternatives. Then, establish clear boundaries to ensure safety and development for the entire family. During this time, it is important to avoid making promises or demanding changes. Overall, the goal of this plan is to foster an environment of empathy and open communication that focuses on understanding rather than blame.

Get Your Teen the Help They Need Today!

We understand that the thought of your teenager running away is very frightening. At Beachside Teen, we offer a full range of resources and services to support teenagers and their families through difficult times. We want to help your teenager work through their issues in a safe and nurturing environment so that they do not find themselves in dangerous situations. To learn more about how we can help, give us a call or visit our admissions page today.