Study: Strong family ties can keep teens out of trouble

According to a study by the Harvard School of Public Health and Simmons School of Social Work, teens grow up to be successful adults if they feel valued by their family.

Researchers found that teenagers who feel appreciated by their families showed fewer interpersonal problems, higher self-esteem and a decreased risk of using tobacco by the age of 30. The study followed 400 people and recorded their changes in behavior and perceptions of their current environment from 1977 to 2010.

Experts say that building stronger relationships with family members is paramount to increasing the number of teens who become healthy adults. Robust family relationships help teens avoid negative triggers they may face throughout their adolescent years, analysts say.

Boarding schools can help provide teens with a sense of purpose and promote healthy lifestyle choices and close family ties.

According to a 2008 report by U.S. state and local child protective services, approximately 3.3 million children were victims of maltreatment.