Although it seems harmless, this behavior can actually hide a form of guilt, anxiety, or even depression, according to experts.
Difficult to navigate the daily life of a teenager. One day they are asserting their independence, and the next day they are asking for your help with an assignment or a few euros to go out. This whirlwind of emotions is part of the reality of parents. But beyond these fluctuations, there are certain behaviors that should catch your attention, including one in particular that experts consider a red flag.
Adolescence is marked by physical, cognitive and emotional changes. Teenagers seek to define their identity while adapting to sometimes intense social pressures. Between social media that glorifies perfect appearances and academic expectations, teens are often overworked. And while some handle this with ease, others show subtle signs of distress that may go unnoticed. One of the key ways to identify this distress is body language. Your teenager’s gestures, postures or attitudes speak volumes, sometimes more than their words. Of course, it can be difficult to tell the difference between just a bad day and a deeper problem, but certain signs consistently return when worry takes hold.
First of all, teenagers have difficulty expressing their emotions directly. Academic stress, conflicts with peers or even self-confidence problems can accumulate. But instead of verbalizing it, they express their discomfort through small details. For example, a teenager who withdraws, spends a lot of time alone, or shows resistance to participating in family activities are legitimate indicators of potential discomfort. But among these behaviors, a very specific gesture should particularly catch your attention. It reveals not only deep discomfort, but also a possible cry for help. We are talking here about avoiding gaze.
A 2017 study conducted at UC Riverside tracked the eye movements of 82 children, ages 8 to 13, and found that children who were more anxious to begin with actually avoided eye contact. This can be linked to several causes: guilt, anxiety, depression or even neurodivergence, according to health professionals. As a parent, your role is to create a safe environment to promote better communication. For example, interacting during an activity together, such as a walk or a car ride. The main thing is to show your teenager that they can express themselves without judgment or pressure.