When teens hear that they are immoral or criminal, they wonder if this is how they are supposed to be. Seldom do we hear that the majority of teenagers go to school, do their homework, participate in volunteer work, help care for younger siblings and generally behave as good citizens. I once read a novel in which a group of teens were scolded for being too noisy in a restaurant. One of the girls explained gently that they didn't mean to be annoying. They were noisy simply because they wanted to assure themselves that they were and that their existance mattered and was noticed.
Teenagers are unusual in our society because they have no clearly defined role.
This is a waiting time. Schools often baby them, reading their texts to them or entertaining them in a desperate attempt to keep order. There are few challenging and rewarding jobs available to them. Most of the interesting jobs are open only to those over eighteen. It's time to restructure the teenage years.