In adolescence, summer break is something to look forward to. There’s no school and they’re free to spend time with friends and focus on fun. Unfortunately, there are also some major issues that can arise as a result of all that free time. For many teens, when structure disappears, the real struggles show up.

It’s understood that both nature and nurture play a role in how people develop. There are some inherent biological inclinations, but our DNA doesn’t define us. So, what does make a definable difference? Being in a healthy environment and surrounded by positive influences and role models results in a significantly higher chance of living a healthier, successful, happy life. 

Today, young men and teens feel more isolated than ever. With the prevalence of social media and video games, many have created unhealthy habits that isolate them from the community support they need. According to a study by the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General, one-third of adults report being online “almost constantly,” and the number of teens who report the same has doubled since 2015.

The teen years can be challenging for anyone, specifically for young men who have experienced trauma or deal with mental health challenges. To cope, they may turn to unhealthy escapes like alcohol, drugs, excessive gaming, social media, or pornography. Unfortunately, these habits can hold them back from reaching their full potential and developing the skills needed to thrive in the real world.

The teenage brain, especially the male brain, is one of the great scientific and social mysteries. While scientists have conducted countless studies around how adolescent males think, view the world and interact with others, it’s become even more difficult in recent years with the Covid-19 pandemic and its lingering effects.  

Pornography is one of the most ubiquitous vices in American society, especially with adolescent young boys. Pornhub alone had 5.56 billion visits alone in January of 2025. It’s accessible, mostly free, discreet, and unfortunately for young boys trying to find their way in the world, highly addictive and difficult to quit.

It can be so difficult for young men to get derailed from the straight and narrow in today’s society. Filled with distractions, young men have ample opportunities to divert their feelings and stress, becoming obsessed with things that take them down a dark or unhealthy path. At The Carpenter Shed, we know that in order for young boys to find their way to a better place, they need to address past traumas so that they can figure out who they are, what motivates them, and what they want to do with that newfound motivation.

Getting out into the real world can be a scary and daunting experience for anyone, especially young boys that struggle with failure to launch syndrome and the inability to branch out on their own. Thinking about fending for yourself can feel overwhelming and cause them to crumble down and avoid doing what’s necessary to grow up. This often comes out through playing excessive video games, acting out, showcasing rebellious behavior, watching pornography, partying, partaking in drugs and alcohol, and avoiding the responsibilities of growing up.

One thing stands above all else in terms of managing your mental health and livelihood as a human being: relationships. Staying connected to those around you and being in touch with others can help pull you out of a bad mental space, make you feel more fulfilled and happier, and ultimately, help you engage with life to the absolute fullest.

When you’re struggling to connect with your son, it’s normal to feel hurt, frustrated, and unsure about what to do as a concerned parent. And worse, when his behavior turns from disrespectful to violent outbursts, anger, and contempt, the situation can seem completely out of your control. If you feel powerless as a parent, don't give up. It’s never too late to help your son on his journey to becoming the man you know he can be.

It may seem simple, but managing your emotions is one of the biggest differences between a well-adjusted, responsible adult and someone still maturing. Being able to receive unfortunate news, which is inevitable in life, and handle it in a responsible manner shows that someone can stay calm under pressure and think in a rational, reasonable way. 

Young men face immense pressure to be tough and masculine, often leading them to avoid seeking help for their mental and emotional health. Add the usual teenage struggles like peer pressure, school, and extracurriculars, and it's a perfect storm. Ignoring their well-being can cause long-term damage and steer them off course, leading to even bigger issues down the road.

As we navigate the challenges of daily life, it's essential to find effective coping mechanisms to manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Fitness-based therapy combines physical exercise with mental health treatment to promote overall well-being. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of this approach and emphasize the importance of coping skills in building resilience and improving mental health.

Peer pressure is everywhere. It’s incredibly hard to avoid, especially as kids start to seek peer acceptance and feel more pressure to fit in with their social influences. That’s why it’s incredibly important to talk to your children, instill strong moral values, and offer family support.