A recent report from the Associated Press indicated that two teenagers were charged with the murder of Christopher Lane, 22, of Melbourne, Australia, a baseball player, just because they were bored. . Communities are starting to see an increase in this disruptive behavior. New headlines regularly hit the news about teens getting into trouble due to boredom. With the question looming: Does boredom lead to trouble? Coping with boredom can be difficult, especially for adolescents who are transitioning from natural stages of childhood to adulthood (Psychology Today, 2013). Parents, teachers and communities are alarmed and do not want this issue to become standardized. Bored teens are more likely to make risky choices, so boredom can become dangerous, especially for compliant teens. Not only are they looking for things to keep them busy, but they may venture into dangerous situations. During preadolescence or “tweenhood” (ages nine to twelve), assessments of physical and psychological changes begin to occur during adolescence (Women's and Children's Health Network, 2011). Therefore, when faced with adolescents who have a lot of energy and are discovering themselves, this transitional period in their lives can challenge questions of identity and independence from their parents. Boredom is dangerous for adolescents' life choices; they may begin to experiment with their sexuality, alcohol and drugs. Ultimately, the cause of adolescent problems is that they don't know how to deal with boredom in a safe and practical way. Teenagers are likely to find themselves with more time doing absolutely nothing, unlike adults where they have greater responsibilities. , such as work and family obligations. Teenagers have nothing......middle of paper......in them. Fewer and fewer teenagers smoke cigarettes; tobacco use has declined since 1997 (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2011). It is important for parents to consider all relationships their teens have, whether they are peer relationships or adult role models. Because we may not realize it, but whoever it is in a teenager's life is instrumental in whether they will try drugs or alcohol. Teenagers imitate the behaviors they see, making them impressionable and leading them to engage in activities that are sometimes not best for them. them. Boredom is a problem that is becoming increasingly difficult to deal with, parents play an important role in trying to find active elements to keep them occupied and safe. Although parents may think they are the last people teens will listen to for advice, they need to play an active role and take responsibility in teens' efforts to lead productive, healthy lives...