Adolescence is a period marked by constant uncertainty. Should I use drugs today or listen to that familial voice in my head that says, "You better not!" Should I become friends with that kids or am I likely to go down a path of no return with that kind of company? Should I study for that test or blow it off because I'll still have a B average anyway. It is undeniable that teens face constant daily decisions between vice and virtue wrestling with the forces of friends, family and self constantly at odds. It is important when working with teenagers to honor their voice despite the overt inconsistencies that are tempting to challenge. Teens do not care how intelligent adults and therapists might be if they doubt our ability to "get" their world- this is an adolescent world filled with overstimulation, unnecessary communication tools, media saturation, excessive pressure to perform and a home-life that may no longer even contain one parent when they return home. Kids today are forced to grow up in a world in which the rules are changing faster than even teens can make sense of. They are flooded with facebook, myspace and texting messages to the point at which face to face contact is quickly becoming insignificant and peculiar. There is a depersonalization going on out there that begs adults to take a closer look at how kids are communicating and more importantly the impact that this often hidden communication has on the inner lives of boys and girls. There is simply not enough supervisory hours possible for adults to keep pace with the influence young people have on each other. Although much of this communication has the potential to be useful, it often serves as a mode for the spread of gossip, rumor spreading, bullying, teasing and other means of taunting teens. Some teens even think it is an acceptable venue to begin a relationship and perhaps get married (that is the internet). It is imperative that parents, and especially divorced parents stay plugged in to the ever changing dynamics of teens. Family therapy, group therapy and individual therapy are just a few of the outlets available to assist parents and teens in distress. For more information on helping teens go to bryon@remocounseling.com bryon remo teen therapist adolescent therapist couples therapist group therapist family therapist 519 Heritage Road Southbury Connecticut