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Some teens struggle with low or failing grades for many reasons. One reason could be their inability to cope well with their adolescence and with their environment. Their show of defiance or resentment towards authority may be a mask to hide their fears and insecurities.
However, most parents feel inadequate to handle their teenagers’ behavior problems. They feel hard-pressed in finding the root of their teenagers’ issues and concerns. These parents see military boarding schools as a way to with their problem teenagers who suffer from behavior disorders and substance abuse issues. Can military boarding schools really help troubled teens?
Military boarding school programs specifically target troubled teens that have problems with authority, exhibit anti-social and self-destructive behavior, and have substance abuse problems. The environment in a therapeutic boarding school, like a military school, is more structured and consistent. Unlike classrooms, where the teachers seem inadequate to deal with problem students, military boarding schools employ trained and licensed professionals, including the teachers, counselors, and the administrative staff.
The literature in behavior modification refers to military boarding schools as “emotional growth” schools. Extra-curricular activities, such as field trips and camping trips, promote and improve self-esteem and personal responsibility. Students actively participate in all activities, not only those found in the classroom, but with the whole community as well.
Student participation is strongly encouraged as it leads to affirmations and positive reinforcement about the value of their participating and about their value as people. This is exactly the kind of positive feelings that problem teenagers need to help rebuild their self-confidence, self-respect and sense of self-worth. The staff and teachers carefully supervise all activities to ensure order and maintain safety among students.
Military boarding schools and other therapeutic programs designed for troubled teens emphasize personal responsibility and the need to understand the natural consequences of their behaviors. Teens live in an environment where they can learn to recognize negative behavior and make better choices.
Teens who have attended therapeutic military boarding schools or similar programs have shown remarkable progress academically and improvements in their behavior and mental health in a relatively short period. After finishing the program or school, they return home with a more positive outlook on life. Since therapeutic boarding schools also work closely with the teens’ families, the parents also benefit from positive changes in behavior they show towards their children.
