Teen Runaway Prevention
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WHAT ARE THE SIGNS MY TEEN MIGHT BE THINKING
ABOUT RUNNING AWAY FROM HOME?
AYou will be sorry when I run away! What parent hasn't heard those words or even said them when they
were a teenager? While no one can say for certain which teens will run and which teens won't, here are
some signals for you to look for:
Changes in behaviors or patterns mean something is wrong:
Teens who suddenly stop eating or begin to overeat, sleep all day or
never sleep, spend all their time with friends or never want to leave
their room. Sudden mood swings mean teens are unsettled and
restless. They're not coping well with stress.
Rebellious behavior is often the start of trouble: Dropping
grades, truancy, breaking rules at home, picking fights with the family
are all symptoms that your child is having problems.
Disclosure of intentions to run away: Some teens will hint that they want to run away and some
will outright threaten their family with running. Sometimes their family will hear rumors through
friends, school, or other parents that their child is thinking of leaving home.
Accumulation of money and possessions: To survive, runaways need money and resources.
Some runaways prepare for their run by slowly withdrawing cash from heir savings accounts.
Keeping a bag or backpack of clothes in the closet might mean they are waiting to make a quick
escape.
It is important to confront your suspicions right away. Clearly and calmly let your teen know
you are concerned about them and their behavior makes you afraid they might run away from home.
Invite them to talk with you or someone else about what is troubling them and be supportive of
finding positive ways of dealing with their stress. Let them know you don't want them to run away
and you are committed to helping the family work things out. If your teen is intent on running away,
give them the phone number of the National Runaway Switchboard so that they can find safe options
while out on their own. Tell them they can also use the NRS to stay in touch with you even if they
choose not to stay at home.
NATIONAL RUNAWAY SWITCHBOARD
Helping youth and families one phone call at a time
CONFIDENTIAL B 24 HOURS A DAY
Crisis Line: 1-800-621-4000
website: www.nrscrisisline.org
e-mail: info@nrscrisisline.orgrticles: