When kids can’t control their lives, and it feels out of control, they take steps towards controlling what they can. That’s why eating disorders, gossiping, acting out, rebellion against authority, etc. is so prevalent among teenagers. It’s a shame. Some people think the remedy is giving kids less control – and more discipline, while others think the opposite. It’s hard to say what works and what doesn’t. All I know is that teenagers tend to feel pretty bad about themselves a lot of the time, and if they don’t get the love, support and attention they so desperately need, they act out.