Top Ten Teenage Stereotypes

The Top Ten
1 “You’re not depressed, you’re just angsty/tired/moody/edgy”

The venting of teenagers is often invalidated and disregarded as mere angst, moodiness, or edginess. Many teenagers encounter problems such as mental illnesses and anxiety due to school and other common issues. Additionally, they are in an awkward stage, but that doesn't necessarily mean they are depressed, even though "depression" is often mistakenly used to describe short-term sadness.

Did you know that most signs of mental illnesses appear between the ages of fourteen and the late teens?

2 “Teenagers are lazy”

The common stereotype offers a simple answer: Not all are lazy, but some teenagers might need more sleep to function well. This applies to any person of any age who hasn't built up their good habits yet.

3 “Teenagers are attention seekers”

This is true for a few teenagers. In terms of genuine mental illnesses and anxiety, sometimes attention is necessary as they need comfort.

4 “Teenagers can’t leave their phones”

This stereotype is often exaggerated. Although many teenagers scroll through social media, this is not always the case. Another reason teenagers have their phones with them is to communicate with their family and peers, and for emergency cases.

5 “All they do is play video games”

While this might be true for a select few, teens are disciplined enough to prioritize their main responsibilities, i.e., studying, before engaging in fun activities.

What do teenagers do other than play video games? I have some examples of other things they do:

1. They go to school on weekdays.
2. Most listen to music.
3. Most play sports.

6 “Teenagers drink, smoke and do drugs”

Although the abuse of drugs is often overlooked in this age range, teenagers who wear hoodies or any black outfit are unfortunately stereotyped in this way.

I've never smoked or done drugs in my life, and I don't really drink either.

I don't drink that often. I only smoked once, and I don't do drugs at all.

7 “Teenagers don’t have problems”

Many of them do, in fact. They face stress, school frustration, and money management issues (in later teen years).

8 “You are too young to understand”

Never underestimate their cognitive skills based on their age. In this generation, teenagers have good cognitive abilities and understanding due to wider access to information.

9 “Teenagers who wear black are edgy”

This is a very popular stereotype. Many people judge and assume things about a teenager based on appearance. While some may be edgy, many are not. If black is just their favorite color, would you assume they're edgy?

10 "Your opinion is invalid because you’re just a teen"

Their issues, ideas, or opinions are deemed invalid because they are in their "teen years". This is unreasonable, as opinions from teens can be valid. Their brains may not be fully developed yet, but they can still come up with good points.

The Contenders
11 "Teenagers are rebellious"

That may be true of certain teens, but not all of them. Teenagers are adolescents who often know better than to be rebellious all the time because they are smarter, more mature, and more experienced at life than children.

12 "Teenagers are ungrateful"
13 "Teenagers love gossiping"
14 "Teenagers are annoying"
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