Teens ages 15-19 are actively engaged in seeking ways to assert their independence with confidence but may also feel vulnerable and insecure about their future adult lives. Teens will naturally test limits and break rules. In fact, some of the conditions of adolescent development add to the likelihood that they will break rules, such as your teen’s desire for increasing independence, their need for risk taking, their sexual curiosity and development, and their need to fit in and seek the approval of peers. This is a natural part of development and necessary for learning and gaining maturity.