Boarding Schools: A Lifeline for Troubled Teens

Boarding schools have been traditionally regarded as institutions that cater to the needs of troubled teens × Troubled Teens
Troubled Teens /trou.bled/ /teens/ n. Noun A troubled teen is defined as a person that is between the age 13-19 that is beset by problems or conflict. Every Teenager faces problems that they must encounter in their life.  Problems arise in every person’s life both big and small yet sometimes we allow even the most insignificant of problems affect our lives.  Sometimes with teenagers they allow trials in their life greatly affect them in negative ways.  Typically when a person (typically teenagers) face problems in their lives, the ability to cope with the problem does not exist.  When teenagers turn to other things to cope with the feelings of the problems that they usually face  things such as drugs and alcohol, pornography, criminal activity, etc. It is important to find help for troubled teens as soon as possible.  There are many different programs that are available to help troubled teens with the problems that they face each with a different approach and nature to the program.
, or children who come from troubled families. They were, and still are being regarded as places where struggling teenagers are disciplined to conform with what society considers as acceptable behavior. But these days, boarding schools have evolved into an entirely different concept. Times have changed, even good teens who come from normal, happy families can already pursue their studies in boarding schools and turn out to be better individuals. They have now earned the reputation of moulding teenagers to become independent, responsible, self-motivated, and well-rounded individuals capable of making practical decisions in life.

Even though times have changed, and boarding schools are equipped for all types of students coming from various types of family backgrounds, there are still boarding schools specifically designed for troubled teenagers.

Boarding Schools Provide Vital Help for Troubled Teens

Such types of boarding schools help teenagers to deal with a multitude of problems such as drug abuse × Drug Abuse
Drug Abuse /drug/ /a.buse/ The definition of Drug abuse is the use of a medicine or other substance that has a physiological effect when introduced into the body improperly in a negative view or purpose. There are many different types of drugs, and the misuse of these types of substances can be very dangerous and can be the cause of many different problems.  This kind of abuse can lead to many different impairments or distress. Along with physical problems that can come from recurrent drug abuse, there are many other types of problems that can occur.  One effect can be a lack of interest in schooling and work.  Another possibility can be the failure to fulfill roles and obligations in different settings of life can.   Also, a poor performance in daily actions that may lead to legal problems. It is important to face Drug abuse as soon as possible in an appropriate manner.  There are many different programs that are available to help fix these types of problems to rehabilitate someone’s life.
, stress, depression × Depression
Depression /de·pres·sion/ Depression is defined as a mental condition characterized by feelings of severe despondency and dejection, typically also with feelings of inadequacy and guilt, often accompanied by lack of energy and disturbance of appetite and sleep. Statistics has shown that diagnosis of depression is growing at a very dangerous rate. Globally, depression affects over 350 million people of all ages. Depression has been linked to other negative health outcomes, such as obesity, heart disease, and stroke. Compared to those not affected by depression those who face it are more likely to be unemployed and have a higher chance of divorce. Most people that suffer from depression do not seek care or attention. Since this is a global issue, many efforts are made to help those who are suffering depression. It is important for those that face depression to find help so that they can overcome this plague that millions of people face.
, conduct disorders, teen pregnancy, eating disorders, obesity, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), oppositional defiant disorders, learning disabilities, violence, and other complex issues of troubled adolescents × Adolescents
Adolescents /ad.o.les.cent/ n.Noun The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the term adolescent as a young person living in the transitional period between the years of puberty and adulthood until they reach the age of full maturity. Adolescents or teenagers, are living in a turbulent and trying time in a person's lifetime. If ill prepared, teens may flounder or display negative behaviors at home. Adolescents are prone to negative behaviors such as, drug and alcohol abuse and other chemical dependencies, sexual misconduct or acting out, failing grades at school and disrespect towards authority. It is for this reason that parents of adolescents need to be particularly mindful when they reach their teenage years. If a teenager is struggling during thus time of adolescence it, is crucial for parents to seek the right care for their son or daughter.    During this time, people are typically more susceptible to negative behaviors and dangerous habits.
. The school provides focused attention on the teen’s emotional, behavioral, and academic problems in a safe and structured environment × Environment
n.noun en·vi·ron·ment The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines environment as the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates. A person's environment, or social surroundings, have an enormous impact on the way that person thinks and operates. If a person is surrounded by negativity, he/she is more likely to replicate that negativity and display negative behaviors in other areas of life. The environment of a troubled teen can often be the root cause or factor in the troubled adolescent's negative behavior. When an impressionable teenage boy or girl is surrounded by negative peers, it is common for these teens to develop negative behaviors themselves. It is for this reason that parents should be aware of their child's social surroundings and environmental influences. If a teenage boy or girl is troubled, a total change in their environment may be in order. By replacing a troubled teen's negative environment with that of a therapeutic, nurturing and rehabilitative environment, troubled adolescents are able to emotional, therapeutic and behavioral restoration.
. They employ a lot of techniques like therapeutic programs to enable the child to resolve conflicts through therapy × Therapy
n.noun ther·a·py Therapy is a treatment intended to relieve or heal a disorder or disease. Therapy generally consists of two kinds: medical and psychotherapy. Medical therapies treat diseases of the human body such as cancer. Psychotherapies treat the mind of therapeutically or emotionally damaged individuals. Different Types of Psychotherapy: - Psychoanalytic Therapy - Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy - Group Therapy - Behavior modification - Biofeedback - Collaborative therapy - Family therapy - Marriage counseling - Music therapy - Parent management training - Relationship counseling - Social Therapy - Systemic therapy - Therapeutic community - Twelve-step programs - Wilderness therapy Therapy for troubled teens has become an increasingly popular opportunity for troubled adolescents today. Therapies are offered at many services for troubled teens such as, wilderness therapy programs, residential treatment programs and boarding schools for troubled youth. The most effective type of therapy greatly depends on the individual teen and what psychological and emotional issues the particular adolescent struggles with.
or counseling × Counseling
coun·sel·ing The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines counseling as the provision of assistance and guidance in resolving personal, social, or psychological problems and difficulties, especially by a professional. Counseling can come in many different forms. These forms include, but are not limited to, child development, eating disorder, substance abuse, rehabilitation, mental health and educational counseling. The type of counseling needed for an individual depends on the type of issues or problems he/she happens to be facing. Counseling Troubled Youth Counseling offers hope to all kinds of troubled youth. Teens who struggle with personality disorders, emotional trauma, psychological disorders and/or learning disabilities, are all great candidates for counseling. These types of teens are often times, in desperate need for some type of counseling, and if some form of counseling is not achieved, are at high risk of fateful, dire consequences. These consequences may include drug addiction, imprisonment, or in some cases, even death.
, personality development workshops and creative activities that emphasize positive attitude, and personal responsibility.

Boarding schools keep teenagers away from negative influences in their immediate environment and make them realize that here are other teens with similar problems. These boarding schools encourage activities to keep the teens preoccupied while teaching them how to live a better life and learn how their behavior and decisions impact their lives. With ample support × Support
Support / sup·port/ n. Noun Support is defined as the act or instance of supporting; serve as a foundation for something else. Support can be given to many different ways. Through the encouragement to perform and progress and also through being there for someone who needs help. Support is usually shown through family and peers but can come from anywhere from support centers, rehab centers, and treatment centers. Without a support, confidence would be very difficult to find. Support is key to getting through trials and problems. The ability to have someone that is supporting you and encouraging you to move forward and progress is important to growth and change. Especially with youth, that as they are trying to find out who they are that they feel supported in all of their doings. This is important because as support and encouragement is shown the youth feel confident to become the best they can be.
from family and faculty counseling, a troubled teen’s life can be turned around for the better. 

What Kind of Help Can Troubled Teens Get at Boarding Schools?

Boarding schools for troubled teens have specialized programs that may last from a few weeks or months to a few years, depending on the teen’s needs. They offer more attention to teenagers by maintaining a small student-teacher ratio, as well as an environment where teenagers can feel uninhibited to express their true emotions. They will be under the supervision of trained specialists who will be able to help them resolve their conflicts in an open and amiable manner.

When looking for an appropriate boarding school for a troubled teenager, take into account the style of program they use, field of specialty, facilities, faculty members, academic requirements, support services like counseling and therapeutic activities that are compatible with the teen’s personality and their particular set of issues. If academic failure is the problem, then a school that focuses on academic excellence with tutoring services may be the likely choice. On the other hand, teenagers who are dealing with complex issues like behaviortal problems and substance abuse × Substance Abuse
Substance Abuse /sub.stance/ /a.buse/ Substance abuse is defined as the use of a chemical substance that has an effect on humans or animals improperly or in a negative view or purpose. Substances involve different types of drugs and also alcohol.  The misuse of a chemical substance can be very dangerous and can be the cause of many different types of problems such as impairment and also distress. Along with physical problems that can come from recurrent substance abuse, there are many  other problems that can occur.  A lack of interest in schooling and work can lead to failure fulfillment of roles and obligations in different settings of life.  Also, a poor performance in daily actions can be a cause. Substance abuse is a problem that is important to deal with in an appropriate manner.  There are many different programs that are available to help fix these types of problems to rehabilitate someone’s life. More information about substance abuse in the US The national institute on drug abuse characterize substance abuse as, "as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. It is considered a brain disease because drugs change the brain; they change its structure and how it works. These brain changes can be long lasting and can lead to many harmful, often self-destructive, behaviors.' When pertaining to the adolescent brain and psyche, substance abuse and addiction is one of the most dangerous and common negative behaviors in troubled youth. Teenagers who participate in drug abuse are either not aware of the potential permanent damage they are causing themselves, or simply don't care. It is because of this reason that parents of substance abusing teens need to seek immediate treatment for their son or daughter. Fortunately for parents, there is a multitude and increasing number of options to choose from in terms of rehabilitation. Furthermore, parents of substance abusing teens need to seek treatment for their teens promptly.
, therapeutically oriented schools may be more appropriate.