The Nexus Teen Academy editorial and clinical team is dedicated to providing informative and accurate content to help families who are struggling with adolescent behavioral health problems. The editorial team works directly with the clinical team to ensure information is accurate and up-to-date.
To do this, our team uses the following editorial guidelines:
We generally only cite government and peer-reviewed studies
Scientific claims and data are backed by qualified sources
Content is updated to ensure we are citing the most up-to-date data and information
Clinically reviewed by Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC
Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC
Hannah graduated from Arizona State University with her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona. She began her work as a therapist 12 years ago in South Phoenix with an intensive outpatient program for teens and their families. She joined Nexus in the residential program as the clinical director, eventually being promoted to the executive director, creating and building the clinical program structure and a strong culture focused on redirecting the trajectory of young lives.
The Nexus Teen Academy Editorial Staff is composed of writers, editors, and clinical reviewers with many years of experience writing about mental health and behavioral health treatment. Our team utilizes peer-reviewed, clinical studies from sources like SAMHSA to ensure we provide the most accurate and current information.
An unruly teenager can create tension at home. When your teen’s behavior is disruptive, aggressive, ordefiant, home can feel unbearable for you and your other children. It can become even more stressful when you don’t know what to do, fearing you might make the wrong choice. However, understanding why your teen is unruly and how to support them can make it easier for them and your family. This may mean talking to your teen, setting boundaries, or seeking professional help when things become overwhelming for you or your adolescent.
For immediate professional help with teenage behavioral health challenges, reach out toNexus Teen Academytoday.
Understanding Unruly Teen Behavior
The signs of an unruly teenager include persistent defiance, breaking rules, or aggression. Your teen may also damage property, abuse drugs, or skip school. These behaviors may be sudden or lasting and can strain family life and disrupt academic progress.
Brain Development
Many parents wonder why teens become unruly. This behavior is usually a signal and not just an act or a label. One reason why teens become unruly is that their brains are still developing. The part that controls impulses often develops more slowly than the areas that seek rewards. This difference is what makes your teen act before thinking. If your teen is stressed or not getting enough sleep, their impulse control may even be harder.
Mental Health Problems
The other reason for unruly teen behavior is mental health problems. ADHD, anxiety, or depression can affect your teen’s behavior. Some teenagers even meet the clinical definitions of conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder. These conditions always come with mixed feelings that can be difficult to manage. As a result, your teen may act out to express their distress or engage in other harmful activities to cope. However, early intervention can help identify these problems and administer effective treatment.
Home Environment
Sometimes, teenagers become unruly because of the home environment. Trauma, family conflicts, separation of parents, or instability can take a toll on your teen. Exposing your teen to chaos or violence can affect how their brains perceive such circumstances and increase the risk of unruly teen behavior. Additionally, your unruly adolescent may defy rules on responsibility, respect, and accountability if they see you disregarding the same.
Peer Pressure
Finally, your teen’s friend group may also contribute to their unruly behavior. During adolescence, teens strive to fit in with their groups or stand out in the things they do. They do this to get approval or validation. This kind of peer pressure is likely to drive your teen to experiment with drugs, sex, or crime. The risks are even higher if your teen’s friends are engaging in these vices.
What to Do if Your Teen is Being Unruly
When you have an unruly teenager, there are a few strategies you can try at home. These include:
Try to stay calm and emphasize one rule at a time. Ensure the rules are simple but consistent. Work with the two or three most important rules and let your teen know the potential consequences if they break the rules. Follow through with your expectations all the time.
Enforce relevant and age-appropriate punishment. For instance, you could remove privileges related to misbehavior. So, if your teen breaks rules related to screen time, you can take away their electronic devices temporarily. However, do not use punishments that will remove chances of repairing trust.
Keep a record of every incident. Note the dates, times, the behavior you observe, and anyone present at the time. If there are photos or damaged objects, keep them as well. These records are helpful during an assessment.
Maintain basic care and routines. Even when your teen becomes unruly, they still need proper meals, daily plans, and adequate sleep. Enforce screen time, school attendance, and family time. These small structures limit opportunities for harmful choices and reduce stress.
Suppose your teen is skipping school, collaborate with the school administration and the counselor. Find out any challenges your teen may be experiencing at school, or special needs they may require, such as academic adjustments.
Can You Call Cops on Unruly Teens?
It may seem too harsh to call the cops on your teenager, even if they become unruly. However, at times it becomes necessary for their safety or your family’s safety. The police can offer immediate protection, especially if your teen has a weapon and violence seems imminent.
Should You Seek Facilities for Unruly Teens?
Your teen’s safety is always a priority. So, if you suspect or observe that your teen is at risk, do not hesitate to seek professional assistance. Call emergency services immediately if there is harm, a threat to life, or a weapon. Check local health departments and SAMHSA for crisis hotlines and keep the numbers ready in case there is a need.
However, if your teen requires professional care for long-term recovery, you can consider outpatient teen treatment, inpatient, or residential treatment. These options will give your teen access to therapy, medication, life skills training, and healthy coping skills. Every option addresses different needs, but the experts will help you identify the most suitable one after assessing your teen’s needs.
Before you select a facility, do you research and verify:
Remember, early intervention can make a big difference and save your teen’s future.
Benefits of Inpatient Treatment for Unruly Teens
Inpatient care can be beneficial if your unruly teen becomes a risk to themselves or others. It provides a structured, safe environment to identify the root causes of the problem and initiate real treatment. According to research, inpatient treatment for teens reduces symptoms of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts from admission to discharge, which can often be underlying causes of their unruly behavior in the first place, along with anger and teen trauma. The following are the benefits of inpatient treatment for your unruly teenager:
It involves 24/7 supervision and care. That means your teen is guaranteed immediate safety in times of crisis. As a result, the probability of short-term risk is highly reduced. At Nexus Teen Academy, we have clinical staff at the facility every day for monitoring and treatment, as well as overnight security to ensure your teen’s safety during downtime.
Inpatient treatment includes different approaches to treatment. Your teen can participate in individualadolescent therapy, group therapy, or family therapy. They will also receive school support and life skills training. Other programs offer mindfulness to help teens remain grounded and focus on treatment. A comprehensive treatment plan will also help address underlying mental health challenges your teen may struggle with.
Moreover, your teen can get psychiatric care and medical interventions on-site for any medical issues that cause unruly behavior. The professionals assess for medical needs, prescribe, and monitor dosage. They also make necessary adjustments and ensure that medication remains relevant by stopping dosage when required.
Most inpatient programs, including our teen male andteen female residential treatment centers, also allow family participation through family therapy, regular updates, or regular site visits. This ensures the family heals as a whole and develops improved communication habits.
Additionally, inpatient treatment programs offer aftercare services to prevent relapse and help your teen get back home safely. Comprehensive aftercare includes ongoing therapy, regular check-ins, and social support. It reduces the likelihood of re-admission and supports sustained recovery.
Do not hesitate to contact us if your unruly adolescent requires professional help.
Teen Behavioral Health Treatment at Nexus Teen Academy
An unruly teen’s behavior is not something to take lightly. This is because it may be a result of serious behavioral issues affecting your teen. Whereas you can address some of the problems at home, you must recognize when professional help is required and seek early intervention to reduce potential risks and safeguard your teen’s future.
At Nexus Teen Academy, we offer specialized treatment for male and female adolescents struggling with behavioral and emotional challenges. Your teen will receive individualized care courtesy of our qualified team of experts. We also allow family participation so that you can be part of your teen’s recovery journey. Pleasereach out to usto learn how we can help your teen achieve better health and sustained recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are There Community Programs That Help Unruly Teens Before Inpatient Treatment?
Yes. Many areas have community programs designed to help teenagers with behavioral challenges. These programs typically offer outpatient therapy, crisis intervention, and mentorship programs. Check your area for any resources.
How Does Social Media Contribute to Unruly Behavior?
Excessive social media usage can expose your teen to peer pressure, cyberbullying, and harmful content. These factors can worsen aggression, defiance, or anxiety. Monitor your teen’s screen time and set limits to protect their well-being.
Can Poor Sleep Make My Teen More Unruly?
Yes. Lack of proper sleep increases irritability, poor focus, and defiance. Conversely, healthy sleep patterns and better quality sleep stabilize moods and reduce conflict.
Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC and nexus_admin
Dealing With an Unruly Teen: What to Do
FACT CHECKED
The Nexus Teen Academy editorial and clinical team is dedicated to providing informative and accurate content to help families who are struggling with adolescent behavioral health problems. The editorial team works directly with the clinical team to ensure information is accurate and up-to-date.
To do this, our team uses the following editorial guidelines:
Clinically reviewed by Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC
Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC
Hannah graduated from Arizona State University with her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona. She began her work as a therapist 12 years ago in South Phoenix with an intensive outpatient program for teens and their families. She joined Nexus in the residential program as the clinical director, eventually being promoted to the executive director, creating and building the clinical program structure and a strong culture focused on redirecting the trajectory of young lives.
Published By Nexus Teen Academy
Nexus Teen Academy
The Nexus Teen Academy Editorial Staff is composed of writers, editors, and clinical reviewers with many years of experience writing about mental health and behavioral health treatment. Our team utilizes peer-reviewed, clinical studies from sources like SAMHSA to ensure we provide the most accurate and current information.
Published On October 17, 2025
Table of Contents
An unruly teenager can create tension at home. When your teen’s behavior is disruptive, aggressive, or defiant, home can feel unbearable for you and your other children. It can become even more stressful when you don’t know what to do, fearing you might make the wrong choice. However, understanding why your teen is unruly and how to support them can make it easier for them and your family. This may mean talking to your teen, setting boundaries, or seeking professional help when things become overwhelming for you or your adolescent.
For immediate professional help with teenage behavioral health challenges, reach out to Nexus Teen Academy today.
Understanding Unruly Teen Behavior
The signs of an unruly teenager include persistent defiance, breaking rules, or aggression. Your teen may also damage property, abuse drugs, or skip school. These behaviors may be sudden or lasting and can strain family life and disrupt academic progress.
Brain Development
Many parents wonder why teens become unruly. This behavior is usually a signal and not just an act or a label. One reason why teens become unruly is that their brains are still developing. The part that controls impulses often develops more slowly than the areas that seek rewards. This difference is what makes your teen act before thinking. If your teen is stressed or not getting enough sleep, their impulse control may even be harder.
Mental Health Problems
The other reason for unruly teen behavior is mental health problems. ADHD, anxiety, or depression can affect your teen’s behavior. Some teenagers even meet the clinical definitions of conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder. These conditions always come with mixed feelings that can be difficult to manage. As a result, your teen may act out to express their distress or engage in other harmful activities to cope. However, early intervention can help identify these problems and administer effective treatment.
Home Environment
Sometimes, teenagers become unruly because of the home environment. Trauma, family conflicts, separation of parents, or instability can take a toll on your teen. Exposing your teen to chaos or violence can affect how their brains perceive such circumstances and increase the risk of unruly teen behavior. Additionally, your unruly adolescent may defy rules on responsibility, respect, and accountability if they see you disregarding the same.
Peer Pressure
Finally, your teen’s friend group may also contribute to their unruly behavior. During adolescence, teens strive to fit in with their groups or stand out in the things they do. They do this to get approval or validation. This kind of peer pressure is likely to drive your teen to experiment with drugs, sex, or crime. The risks are even higher if your teen’s friends are engaging in these vices.
What to Do if Your Teen is Being Unruly
When you have an unruly teenager, there are a few strategies you can try at home. These include:
Can You Call Cops on Unruly Teens?
It may seem too harsh to call the cops on your teenager, even if they become unruly. However, at times it becomes necessary for their safety or your family’s safety. The police can offer immediate protection, especially if your teen has a weapon and violence seems imminent.
Should You Seek Facilities for Unruly Teens?
Your teen’s safety is always a priority. So, if you suspect or observe that your teen is at risk, do not hesitate to seek professional assistance. Call emergency services immediately if there is harm, a threat to life, or a weapon. Check local health departments and SAMHSA for crisis hotlines and keep the numbers ready in case there is a need.
However, if your teen requires professional care for long-term recovery, you can consider outpatient teen treatment, inpatient, or residential treatment. These options will give your teen access to therapy, medication, life skills training, and healthy coping skills. Every option addresses different needs, but the experts will help you identify the most suitable one after assessing your teen’s needs.
Before you select a facility, do you research and verify:
Remember, early intervention can make a big difference and save your teen’s future.
Benefits of Inpatient Treatment for Unruly Teens
Inpatient care can be beneficial if your unruly teen becomes a risk to themselves or others. It provides a structured, safe environment to identify the root causes of the problem and initiate real treatment. According to research, inpatient treatment for teens reduces symptoms of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts from admission to discharge, which can often be underlying causes of their unruly behavior in the first place, along with anger and teen trauma. The following are the benefits of inpatient treatment for your unruly teenager:
Do not hesitate to contact us if your unruly adolescent requires professional help.
Teen Behavioral Health Treatment at Nexus Teen Academy
An unruly teen’s behavior is not something to take lightly. This is because it may be a result of serious behavioral issues affecting your teen. Whereas you can address some of the problems at home, you must recognize when professional help is required and seek early intervention to reduce potential risks and safeguard your teen’s future.
At Nexus Teen Academy, we offer specialized treatment for male and female adolescents struggling with behavioral and emotional challenges. Your teen will receive individualized care courtesy of our qualified team of experts. We also allow family participation so that you can be part of your teen’s recovery journey. Please reach out to us to learn how we can help your teen achieve better health and sustained recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. Many areas have community programs designed to help teenagers with behavioral challenges. These programs typically offer outpatient therapy, crisis intervention, and mentorship programs. Check your area for any resources.
Excessive social media usage can expose your teen to peer pressure, cyberbullying, and harmful content. These factors can worsen aggression, defiance, or anxiety. Monitor your teen’s screen time and set limits to protect their well-being.
Yes. Lack of proper sleep increases irritability, poor focus, and defiance. Conversely, healthy sleep patterns and better quality sleep stabilize moods and reduce conflict.