Red Flags in Teen Behavior: Signs of Something Deeper

The teenage years are a developmentally challenging time, marked by significant changes in personality, identity formation, surging hormones, and the struggle for autonomy. If you’re the parent of a teen, you have probably dealt with the mood swings, emotional outbursts, and unpredictable behavior. However, when do these become a red flag and a cause for concern? 

If behaviors go above and beyond what is typical for a teen, disrupt daily functioning, and put themselves or others at risk, it could be a sign of an underlying mental health disorder or emotional challenge. 

What Are Behavioral Red Flags in Teenagers? 

Behavioral red flags in teens often decrease their quality of life and daily functioning. A few behaviors to be mindful of that can easily go from typical to red flags are mood swings, social isolation, aggression, and risk-taking. 

Teens and Mood Swings 

Mood swings during adolescence are considered normal and even a healthy part of development. They are often influenced by hormones and brain maturation, with many youth learning to regulate their emotions. As long as mood swings are short-lived, related to specific events, and don’t significantly disrupt daily functioning, there is usually no need for concern.  

Mood swings are often considered a red flag when: 

• They persist for 2 weeks or longer
• Causes significant disruption in a teen’s life, such as school or interactions with loved ones
• Increase anger/aggression to unsafe or violent levels 
• Accompanied by suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviors 
• Induced by drug or alcohol use 

Isolation and Social Withdrawal 

Isolation and social withdrawal are more common in teens when short-term and occasional. This is often linked to the need for privacy or self-reflection. However, it is a red flag if these behaviors become chronic or suddenly appear out of nowhere. For example, if your teen has always been a social butterfly and now is suddenly a lone wolf, this could be a sign that they are struggling with something deeper. 

It’s also a cause for concern if isolation is paired with other symptoms such as academic decline, changes in sleep/appetite, decline in motivation, and neglect of basic hygiene. Socially isolated teenagers are at an increased risk of developing mental health disorders in adulthood, particularly depression, anxiety, and addiction. 

Aggression and Irritability 

Aggressive behavior is typical in teens when occasional, related to specific triggers, and does not harm themselves or others. Teen boys are particularly vulnerable to aggressive behavior during adolescence, influenced by an increase in the hormone testosterone. They may be more likely to wrestle or use a punching bag to release aggression. 

However, if physical fights, threats, violence towards animals, or destruction of property become a thing, this is a red flag and requires professional intervention. 

Substance Abuse and Risk Taking in Teens

Areas of the brain that control decision-making, problem-solving, and risk-taking are still growing, often making teens more impulsive than adults. They are more likely to make decisions without thinking about the long-term consequences and are more vulnerable to partaking in risky behavior. In moderation, risk-taking in teens can be a healthy way to boost their confidence, such as by trying a new sport, giving a speech, or asking a peer out on a date. 

However, if risky behaviors become dangerous to themselves or others, this is often a red flag and requires adult intervention. Examples of risky behavior that indicate the sign of a deeper struggle include: 

• Substance abuse: Teens may try alcohol or nicotine out of curiosity, but ongoing abuse or illicit drug abuse is a cause for concern. 
• Reckless driving: Speeding, running red lights or stop signs, driving under the influence. 
• Skipping school or class: Drinking or doing drugs in school, talking back in class, or fighting with teachers/peers. 
• Unprotected sex, or having multiple sex partners who are not age-appropriate.

Emotional Issues and Mental Health Challenges That Influence Teen Behavior

Teens who struggle with behavioral problems are often experiencing underlying mental health challenges and stress that are contributing to the destructive pattern of behavior. Anxiety, depression, and trauma are considered the “big three” emotional and mental health challenges, with one of the three affecting at least 75% of teens [1]. 

Anxiety

Teen anxiety affects nearly 20% of youth, with many citing academic pressure and stress about the future as their number one source. Symptoms often include excessive worry, fear, trouble concentrating, irritability, and physical symptoms such as migraines, stomachaches, or increased heart rate [2]. 

Unresolved anxiety can cause several red flag behaviors that impact the daily functioning of teens, including: 

• Avoiding school or social situations (e.g., skipping class) 
• Increased risk of using nicotine or alcohol 
• Overuse of distractions (social media, video games) 

Depression

According to the CDC, around 25% of youth report struggling with depression. Untreated depression in youth can increase the risk of other mental health disorders emerging, substance abuse, and suicide.  Teens with depression often feel chronic sadness, hopelessness about their future, low energy, and a lack of motivation [1]. 

Unresolved depression can cause several red flag behaviors that impact the daily functioning of teens. Some of the common signs of teen depression include: 

• Increased risk of drugs or alcohol to numb emotional pain 
• Social isolation and cutting loved ones off 
• Neglecting personal hygiene and basic self-care 

Trauma 

By age 16, nearly two-thirds of teens have experienced one traumatic event. Unresolved trauma in youth greatly increases symptoms of anxiety and depression, the risk of substance abuse, and even chronic disease. Teens with trauma often struggle with drastic mood swings, nightmares or flashbacks, have trouble trusting others, and partake in behaviors to numb their emotions [3].  

Unresolved trauma can cause several red flag behaviors that impact the daily functioning of teens. Some of the common signs of teen trauma include: 

• Substance abuse
• Self-harm or suicidal behaviors 
• Risky behaviors as an attempt to either feel or numb emotions (unsafe sex, speeding, driving under the influence)

When It’s Time to Seek Professional Help

If you notice behaviors in your teen that are a cause for concern or have gone from typical to a red flag, it’s important to seek professional help. Consider reaching out to your family doctor, a mental health professional, local case management office, or even Child Protective Services (if you are concerned about the safety of others in the home). 

Early behavioral interventions for at-risk youth showing red flag behaviors can make all the difference in ensuring their success in adulthood. Research shows that half of all mental health disorders begin by age 14, and early intervention during this period has been shown to improve successful, long-term treatment outcomes [4]. 

Notice Red Flags in Your Teen’s Behavior? Clearfork is Here to Help

Clearfork Academy is a network of behavioral health facilities in Texas committed to helping teens recover from behavioral addictions, substance abuse, and mental health disorders. Our licensed and accredited facility is dedicated to providing comprehensive, evidence-based care and education for parents and caregivers of youth. 

Our residential treatment campuses in Cleburne and Dallas/Fort Worth are designed to stabilize teen boys and teen girls with tailored behavioral interventions and compassionate, emotional support. We offer a blend of evidence-based therapies, including CBT, DBT, and family therapy, to reduce destructive behavioral patterns in youth. 

Contact our admissions team today to see how we can support your family. 

Sources 

[1] CDC. 2025 Data and Statistics on Children’s Mental Health.

[2] Racine, N. et al. 2021. Global Prevalence of Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in Children and Adolescents. JAMA Network. 

[3] Huberty, J. et al. (2024). Rates of Trauma Exposure and Posttraumatic Stress in a Pediatric Digital Mental Health Intervention. JMIR pediatrics and parenting, 7, e55560.

[4] Canadian Institute for Health Information.  2025. Early Intervention for Mental Health and Substance Use Among Children and Youth Indicator.