Runaways

Each year one million teens run away from home. This can occur in any home, regardless of social class, economic status, or race. Typically, teens run away after a heated argument with their parents, and stay with a friend for a day or two before returning home. As many as nine out of ten teenagers return home or are returned to their homes by the police within a month. However, many teens leave home never to return. This can result from a variety of reasons, including difficulties at home or school, mental or physical abuse, drug or alcohol use, and psychological or emotional problems, such as anxiety, stress, or mood disorders. There are many dangers involved when a teen runs away. Alone in a strange city or on the highway, a teen is an easy target for thieves, pimps, drug pushers, and other violent criminals. The problems at home are generally replaced by more serious and dangerous problems on the street. Most cities have shelters where teens can stay for a few days or weeks until things cool off at home. Teenagers may also choose to go to a relative's home for a while. For more information, consult a health care professional in your area.