GREEN BAY, Wis (NBC 26) -- COVID-19 has put teenagers across Wisconsin into a very unique situation. Today the Chief Medical Officer at ThedaCare says it's likely stressing many of them out.
"I can't think of many things more traumatizing to a teenager than being forced to stay at home with their family for an extended period of time," says Doctor Jennifer Frank, half-jokingly.
While teens thrive off of the independence they continue to gain as they work their way into adulthood, right now Dr. Frank says parents and siblings need to continue respecting their privacy.
"Within our family, we've really encouraged the kids to take some time away from everybody."
Doctor Frank, who's also a mom says it's important for teenagers to also be social during isolation.
"We always encourage them, sometimes mandated, that they play together. So we do a family board game every evening and the kids are required to attend."
Doctor frank says the face to face interaction is important for teens to get, but just as important is the act of communicating.
"Call or facetime with a grandparent or aunt or uncle or a cousin."
Frank says making sure teens are having healthy relationships outside of their home is important during isolation.
"Make sure you're checking in with them to see what they're social connections are like. Have you spoken to your friends today and if not, why not, and how can we get you connected?"
Public or private gatherings of any size are banned under the Wisconsin stay at home order, unless everyone in the gathering is from the same household. (Exceptions to the stay at home order include going to get groceries or acting as someone's caregiver.)
"Teenagers are a really important part of our society and they can lead by example. Particularly for younger kids and even teenagers, who love to be right. So calling out adults who aren't doing the right things is important as well."
