Vandalism and destructive behavior in teens are often their way of coping with extreme emotions and frustrations. A teenager acting out in this way is seeking a release. However, because the relief is temporary, they continue to destroy property to experience that relief again and again. Although teen outbursts might result in accidental damage of property, most teens immediately feel remorse.

However, when your teen continues to purposely vandalize and destroy property it’s a sign of underlying issues that need to be taken seriously.

Reasons for Teen Vandalism and Destructive Behavior

There are several reasons your child might be displaying destructive behavior, including:

  • Frustration: If your teen has low tolerance for frustration they can turn to destructive behavior when they are disappointed or don’t get their way. This could be learned behavior they witness as a child, or because they lack the emotional controls to manage frustration.
  • Underlying conditions: Acting out with vandalism and destructive behavior can be related to underlying conditions such as ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Conduct Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, or a mood disorder.
  • Intimidation: Destroying property in front of you, especially in your home, could be designed to intimidate you. This is a form of manipulation but can also indicate your teen feels powerless and destruction makes them feel they are in control.
  • Venting: Teens might be holding emotions inside after negative interactions with friends, teachers, peers, etc. If they suppress their instinct to argue or voice their feelings during the interaction, when they get home and feel safe, they might need to vent these emotions. In some cases, their destructive behavior can escalate to verbal abuse or violence.
  • Passive-aggressive destruction: Some teens don’t display their destructive behavior openly. Instead, they purposely break something secretly when they are angry at you, often something of great value. This can be frustrating if they do this often because it is difficult to prove. Accusing your child of breaking something can lead to further anger when your child feels you don’t trust them.

Possible Outcomes of Teen Vandalism and Destructive Behavior

There are a few possible outcomes of destructive behavior. The first and most desirable outcome is that your child learns from their behavior by seeing the reaction of hurt, fear and confusion it causes, or they destroy something of their own and experience the loss. As a result, they feel remorse and don’t want to repeat the behavior.

The second, which is a little more frightening, but equally effective, is that they destroy public or private property outside the home leading to an interaction with the law or other authorities such as the school principal. Dire consequences such as expulsion from school or being detained by police can help “scare them straight.”

The third outcome is that your teen’s behavior continues and results in ongoing family stress, fear, and the risk of escalating into verbal abuse or physical violence. When the issue does not resolve itself quickly, it is essential to seek help from a medical or mental healthcare professional.

Addressing Teen Vandalism and Destructive Behavior

Teen vandalism and destructive behavior are often teen warning signs of underlying mental health issues such as depression, conduct disorders or neurodiverse conditions such as ADHD or autism. When destructive behavior becomes a pattern or gets to the point where family members are frightened, your teen needs mechanisms that help them control their destructive urges.

Common treatments might include:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy to teach your teen problem-solving and stress management skills and how to control impulses.
  • Family therapy to help everyone cope with the behavior and improve family dynamics.
  • Peer group therapy to improve social and interpersonal skills.
  • Medicines to manage diagnosed disorders.

However, often a structured environment such as a residential treatment program is the best solution to help overcome issues such as anger, aggression, self-destructive behavior, and depression.

What is a Residential Treatment Program?

Residential treatment programs provide a structured and supportive environment for teens struggling with emotional, social, educational, or behavioral issues. They combine academic and counseling services with low student-to-teacher ratios focused on individualized support.

Also known as therapeutic boarding schools, the programs and staff help teens get their lives back on track, teaching them important life skills for success. As a result, teens see positive outcomes equipping them to deal with the challenges of adulthood without disrupting their education.

If you’re considering a therapeutic boarding school for your teenager, it is important to research several schools to find one that is right for your family. Request information about available resources here.