Caught between childhood and adulthood, too old to play with parents and too young to go out alone, young teenagers are easily bored. So bored, that the phrase "bored teenagers" has become something of a cliché.

A British punk rock band calls itself the Bored Teenagers. And Bored Teenagers Film Festivals are a success in Germany. These festivals feature films with predictable plots. Teenagers with nothing to do find stimulation in those old tempters - sex, drugs, and rock and roll. But don't despair, you can help your bored teenagers find safe and meaningful ways to spend their time.

Give them space

Teenagers, even those as young as 13, are intensely concerned with their peers. No longer content with parental company, teenagers may often prefer to be alone in their bedrooms than with their parents in the lounge room. This is a normal part of growing up. So, don't make the mistake of forcing yourself on your teenagers. They will probably complain that whatever activity you dream up is "boring". Give teenagers the space they need to become independent. Remember, wanting to be alone or with their peers does not mean they don't love you.

Help them find a place of their own

Teenagers need a place to hang out, to see and be seen by others. If they cannot find a safe place to go, they may gravitate to unsafe ones-pubs, rave parties, and street corners. You can help your teenager to find safe alternatives. Community Centres, YMCAs and YWCAs, church halls and schools sponsor alcohol-free socials (often called blue light discos). If you can, provide transport to and from these safe havens, but don't hang around to "help out" or chaperone unless your teen specifically asks you to. The idea is for them to be independent, at least for the night. Your peace of mind comes from knowing that your teen is in a safe environment.

Let them do it themselves

Bored and starved for excitement, a group of teenagers from the Queensland town of Maryborough decided to think big. They contacted the international superstar rock band Killing Heidi and asked them to play a concert in their town. The odds were against them; no major rock band had ever played in their town before. The answer was a long time coming but when it arrived, the answer was YES. The teenagers proceeded to enlist the help of their peers, families, officials and business. They even arranged for two local teenage bands to provide opening acts for the concert. Now the teenagers of Maryborough are too busy to be bored. They are either practicing their acts or making arrangements for Maryborough's first ever rock concert.

Get them wired

There are literally thousands of teenager web sites on the Internet. As an example BoredTeen.com ("where bored teens hang out"), contains games, a matchmaker section, chat, email, stories and poetry (by and for teens), music, quizzes, comedy, horoscopes and so on. Teenagers with disabilities are also catered for. If you want your teens to broaden their horizons, help them access the Internet. If cost is an issue, many libraries offer access at low (or even no) cost.

Suggest they volunteer

In his book, The Teenager's Guide to the Real World, Marshal Brain suggests that bored teens can beat the blues by volunteering time to a local charity or community organisation. Volunteering for an activity they enjoy not only beats boredom but also helps develop a better perspective on life. There is no better way for teenagers to develop a sense of responsibility and understand their own blessings than by helping people in need. The trick is to find an opportunity to volunteer that fits with a teenager's personality. Some good places to look are: