Tips for Parents of Teenagers

Each year over 50,000 children under the age of 18 are reported missing in Canada. Approximately 80% of these cases are runaways. Most runaways are between 12 and 17 years of age. Girls are slightly more likely to run away than boys are.

Most runaways leave home during the months of April, May, June and October. The reason for these peak periods is uncertain, but may be related to the opening and closing of the school year.

Most runaways are often trying to escape physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Others are trying to escape the consequences of crisis like pregnancy or conflict with the law. Life on the street often leads runaways into illegal activities in order to meet their basic needs. Running away is dangerous.

Ten Common Reasons for Youth to Run Away:

1. Emotional, physical and sexual abuse.
2. Emotional or psychological problems.
3. Family problems.
4. Parents are too strict or too permissive.
5. Pregnancy.
6. Problems with drugs.
7. Parents are going through a divorce.
8. Boredom.
9. Trouble at school.
10. Feel unloved by family and friends.

Child Find Nova Scotia (1998)
110-1568 Hollis Street • PO Box 523 • Halifax NS B3J 2R7
902 454 2030 • Toll Free: 800 682 9006 • E-Mail: childns@aol.com
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