Ephebiphobia

Ephebiphobia is the fear of young people, including teenagers and excluding young children. The word is derived from the Greek éphēbos, meaning "youth" or "adolescent" and phóbos, meaning "fear" or "phobia". The fear is can even be suffered by parents.

This fear often came about due to the fact that young people tend to be more energetic, wild, and do more inappropriate things than older people. Teenagers may get involved in gangs, and committing crimes such as robbing banks, which are other triggers of fear.

An ephebiphobe may develop symptoms of anxiety when faced with a teen. They may feel threatened and will do anything to avoid interacting with them. Treatment includes psychotherapy, specifically behavioral therapy so they can be taught not to react with anxiety when they deal with teens. Medications are rarely needed.