Current trending Netflix show Adolescence has sparked important conversations about the challenges young people face as they navigate life through the pre-teen and teenage years. While fictional, the series shines a raw and unfiltered light on the emotional turbulence that can occur — and the impacts of social media, identity challenges, school bullying and online subcultures – including toxic masculinity – on young people today.
Importantly, the series also explores the role of family and the significant impacts on parents and family members, illustrating the feelings of shame, guilt and responsibility often experienced by parents for their children’s actions.
Part of OzChild’s work in the Prevention and Strengthening Families space focuses on Adolescent Violence in the Home (AVITH) — a form of family violence that remains largely underreported and misunderstood.
AVITH refers to abusive, coercive or controlling behaviours used by a young person towards their parent, caregiver or family member. This violence can be physical, emotional, verbal or involve damage to property, and can often be triggered or compounded by external challenges the adolescent is facing.
While the behaviours may be similar to adult forms of family violence, the drivers, context, and needs are unique and complex.
It is not about “bad behaviour”, teenagers “acting out” or bad parenting — it’s often a response to trauma, developmental or social challenges. Addressing AVITH requires a unique and specialised approach — one that avoids blame and instead prioritises understanding, rebuilding relationships and restoring safety.
At OzChild, we know that early, therapeutic, and culturally safe intervention is key. By stepping in sooner and working holistically with the entire family, we can:
Adolescence reminds us of the importance of observing young people’s behaviours, and taking the time to listen and understand what a young person is experiencing.
Strengths-based interventions such as Functional Family Therapy (FFT) and Multisystemic Therapy (MST) are demonstrating that children, young people and families can overcome anti-social behaviours and AVITH, when given the right support at the right time. Our practitioners are trained in trauma-informed and child-focused practice, and we work in partnership with families to create safe, respectful and nurturing home environments.
It is time to better understand AVITH so we can move away from judgment and towards practical and compassionate support that will help keep families together.
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