Did you ever run from home when you were a child? You may have packed your backpack, walked down the driveway to your friend’s house, or around the corner. After a while, it became dark, and you forgot the reason you ran away.
It’s good to know that you haven’t thought about leaving before. There is a huge difference between considering leaving (or walking down the street a few times) and actually fleeing.
The problem of running away can be serious. According to National Runaway Switchboard (an organization that answers calls and offers help to kids who are running away or thinking about it), 1 in 7 children between 10 and 18 years old will run away. There are between 1 and 3 million homeless or runaway kids on the streets of the United States.
Why Children Run Away
How did you feel the last time you fought with one of your siblings or parents? This kind of hurt can push someone to leave home.
Most kids who run away are actually escaping problems in their families. Some kids leave because of a terrible argument. Some kids decide to run away without even fighting. Some may be ashamed of something and afraid to tell their parents.
There are many other reasons why kids run away.
- abuse
- Parents separating or divorced or the arrival of a new stepparent
- Death In the Family
- Birth of a New Baby in the Family
- Family financial concerns
- Kids or parents taking drugs or drinking alcohol
- Problems at School
- peer pressure
- Dropping out of school or failing to complete your education
There are many ways to solve these problems other than running away. Children who are considering running away may not have the skills to deal with difficult issues, or they might lack adults to assist them. When a problem is really serious, it can seem that running away is your only option.
Unfortunately, when kids run away from the problems they hope to escape, other issues — some of which are even more serious — become their new reality.
Run Away: The Reality
You probably think that there won’t be any rules, no one to tell you what you should do, and no fights. It sounds exciting and fun, right?
Running away is not fun. Children and teenagers who run away have to deal with new issues, such as not having enough money to buy food and no place to sleep or to store their belongings.
People who have no home or money are desperate and will do anything to satisfy their basic needs. They often end up in situations that are frightening to adults and children alike. Children who run away are more likely to be involved in violent crimes than children who stay at home.
Many kids who live in the street are forced to steal for necessities. They take alcohol or drugs to survive the day because they feel depressed. Some kids are forced to perform actions they would not normally do in order to earn money. More kids have HIV and AIDS, as well as other diseases, on the streets. This is because they may use IV drugs or engage in unprotected sex for money.
Runaway Prevention
Let’s be honest — stress happens to everyone, including kids. But if you can deal with your problems with hope, confidence, and practical solutions, it will make kids less likely to run away.
Try these steps to improve your problem-solving abilities:
- Understand your feelings. Use words to describe your feelings.
- Show your feelings. Do not be afraid to express your feelings to those closest to you. Don’t act, but use words. It is particularly important to remember this when you are angry. Anger can be difficult to control because it is so powerful. But everyone should learn to express their anger without violence.
- You can learn how to calm down when you are upset. You might need to go outside and run, listen to some music, write or draw poetry. You can do whatever you want to make yourself feel better.
- Try to think of a few solutions when you are faced with a problem. If you cannot think of three possible answers, ask someone to help. Ask yourself, “If I did this, what next?”
- Ask for help from an adult you can trust, such as a parent or close relative. You could also ask a teacher, neighbor, or teacher. You should know who to turn to for support and assistance.
If you’re thinking of running away
You may feel that there is no way to solve the problems that make you want to run away. Tell your parents how you’re feeling if you can. You need to let them know that you are upset or that you fear they won’t love or want you around. You may be able to change the situation by working together as a whole family. Talking to a counselor together as a family may help.
Talk to someone you trust if the problem is serious. If a parent has been involved, talk to your teacher, counselor, close relative, or friend. This person can help you find a safe place to stay. You may be reluctant to tell anyone about this because you are afraid that they will get in trouble. But remember, abuse is never your responsibility.
You can also call the National Runaway Switchboard by calling (800 621-4000. The National Runaway Switchboard is open 24 hours per day, and it’s free. Switchboard operators receive thousands of calls every year. Many are from children who have fled or know someone else who has.
When Your Friend Runs Away
It would be best if you warned your friend about the difficulties of surviving on the street. Your friend may be scared or confused. Help your friend to feel less alone by being supportive.
You can help your friends by reminding them that there are many other solutions to the problem, even if you cannot think of any right now. A responsible adult can help.
Telling an adult your friend is running away can be difficult, but do it as soon as you can. A real friend won’t keep a secret that could hurt someone. Doing the best you can for your friend is what it means to be a real friend. Running away from each other is not a solution. This only causes more problems and danger.
