Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan

A teenager goes through a lot during the years where they transition from child to adult. It’s not hard to believe behavioral issues become a problem during the time where their emotions run wild.

The Family Advocacy Program offers a class called Today’s Actions Equals Tomorrow’s Realities to teenagers aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan.

“The class is tailored to meet the needs of the students,” said Michelle Northam, a victim advocate and prevention specialist with Marine and Family Programs. “It teaches teenagers how to understand and control their emotions.”

Teenagers aboard station can sign-up for the class or they are enrolled in it after demonstrating bad behavior.

“It addresses the outcome of their choices and the problems that led them to be in the course,” said John Kelly, clinical counselor with Behavioral Health.

The class meets on Wednesdays and lasts for approximately six weeks. Students get the opportunity to interact with teenagers having similar problems and find the root of their issues.

“The group dynamic is what makes the class effective,” said Northam.

According to Kelly, it is not designed to be punitive but when teenagers misbehave aboard station then they will go to the class as a consequence.

“Punishment, in and of itself, does not work,” said Kelly. “There has to be an instructional element to the punishment or it will not work.”

The goal of the class is to uncover the reason the students act out and give them tools to fix it, said Northam.

“If someone does not understand what is setting them off or how to control it then it won’t be corrected,” explained Northam. “The first step is identifying the cause in order to find a solution.”

According to Kelly, teenagers aboard station tend to be better behaved than civilian teenagers. Having worked as a counselor in the civilian sector, Kelly sees a big difference in teenager’s behavioral issues.

“We really don’t have that many problems here,” said Kelly. “I think the students understand that the choices they make, not only affect them, but also affect their entire family. The added responsibility appears to make teenagers more conscious when it comes to making decisions.”

According to Northam, the stressors of a teenage life can become overwhelming which is why it is important to learn how to handle them in a healthy way.