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Adolescence is a period of significant change for young people, including physical, emotional and social development. It is also a crucial stage for brain development, second only to the early years of life.
As children move into adolescence, they typically gain greater independence, explore their identity, and begin to test boundaries. During this time, friendships may change and young people may be exposed to new situations and experiences.
These transitions can increase exposure to risk and may make some young people more vulnerable to harm. Some adolescents experience complex or overlapping challenges, which can make indicators of abuse or neglect harder for professionals to recognise. Responses may also focus on managing visible behaviour, rather than understanding the underlying causes.
There can be a tendency to overestimate older children’s ability to keep themselves safe. As a result, teenagers may not always receive the level of support and protection they need.
Young people who are experiencing abuse or neglect, whether within or outside their family, may not disclose what is happening. They may not recognise their experiences as harmful, or may not feel ready or able to talk about them.
This highlights the importance of all those who work or volunteer with young people being able to recognise the signs of abuse and neglect and knowing how to respond appropriately.
Neglect during the teenage years is not always visible in the same way as it is for younger children. It may involve a lack of emotional support, guidance, supervision or consistent care, rather than basic physical needs alone. As a result, it can be overlooked or minimised.
Adolescents rely on safe adults to help them manage complex emotions, develop healthy relationships and build self‑esteem. A lack of warmth, interest, encouragement or reliable adult support can significantly affect a young person’s emotional wellbeing and sense of worth.
Ongoing neglect in adolescence can be linked to poorer mental health, increased risk‑taking behaviours, disengagement from education, substance use, and difficulties forming healthy relationships. These impacts can extend into adulthood without appropriate support.
As young people become more independent, neglect can increase exposure to harm beyond the home, including exploitation, unsafe relationships, substance misuse or involvement in offending behaviour. Lack of supervision or guidance can heighten these risks.
Neglect is often chronic and cumulative. For some young people, neglect may have been present since early childhood, while for others it may emerge or worsen during the teenage years due to family stress, parental ill‑health or changing circumstances.
Young people experiencing neglect may express distress through their behaviour, such as withdrawal, aggression, poor attendance, risk‑taking or challenges to authority. It is important that these behaviours are understood within the context of their life and experiences, rather than viewed in isolation.
Teenagers may find it particularly difficult to ask for help. They may normalise their experiences, fear consequences, or worry about being judged. Creating safe, respectful spaces where young people feel listened to and taken seriously is essential.
Supporting adolescents who may be experiencing neglect requires a joined‑up approach across universal, targeted and specialist services. Early recognition, curiosity, professional judgment and proportionate responses are key to ensuring young people receive the help they need at the right time.
Further information and research on adolescent neglect can be found on:
