Understanding Why Children Run Away: Causes & Risk Factors

Some of the common reasons why kids run away from home are:

- Family problems:

- Physical or emotional abuse

- Neglect

- Violent or chaotic household

- Parental drug or alcohol abuse

- Mental illness in the family

- Peer problems:

- Bullying

- Social isolation

- Gang involvement

- School problems:

- Academic difficulties

- Bullying

- Feeling unsafe

- Mental health problems:

- Depression

- Anxiety

- Bipolar disorder

- Schizophrenia

- Substance abuse:

- Experimenting with drugs or alcohol

- Running away for adventure:

- Seeking excitement and freedom

- Wanting to explore the world

- Running away to be with a boyfriend or girlfriend