The goal of this series is to assist parents in navigating the ever-present challenges that come with raising a teenager. Some of which can be hard to talk about, because of feelings of shame and doubt. Never fear, at the end of this series, not only will you better understand your teenager, but you will have all of the practical tips you need to improve your relationship with them.

Let's kick this series off with the first instalment:

Episode 1: Understanding your teenager's world

The world today looks vastly different from when today’s parents were teens.

Social media, academic pressures, mental health awareness, and the influence of digital culture create new challenges and stressors that today’s teens must navigate. For many parents, trying to understand what it’s like to be a teenager in this environment feels like standing on the outside looking in. They know there’s something unique going on with their teens’ experiences but feel at a loss as to how to effectively connect or support them. Worse yet, every time parents try to use their own experience, understanding or perspective to encourage, guide or direct, it seems to widen the divide.

Despite best intentions, this disconnect can lead to miscommunication, frustration, and even a breakdown in trust between parents and teens.

According to research by Common Sense Media, 94% of parents and 80% of teens feel they don’t understand each other because of different attitudes toward technology and social media use.

That is a truly massive statistic, with truly massive implications! A lack of understanding around these areas can create a barrier in family communication, as teens tend to feel misunderstood or even judged rather than supported.

The understanding gap between parents and teenagers could be a cause of the teenage mental health crisis.

This gap in understanding has real consequences. Mental health issues among teens have become increasingly prevalent, with the CDC reporting a 52% increase in cases of depression among adolescents from 2005 to 2017. Teens today experience anxiety and stress at much higher rates, in part due to constant comparisons facilitated by social media and increasing academic pressures. In fact, a Pew Research Center study showed that 61% of teens feel extreme pressure to perform academically, and 45% say they worry about social judgment on platforms like Instagram and Snapchat.

These statistics translate into real-life challenges for families: teens struggling with mental health are more likely to withdraw, hide their struggles, or resist parental guidance, believing parents won’t “get it.” Many parents, meanwhile, may unknowingly contribute to the problem by applying familiar parenting strategies without realizing they might be outdated or even counterproductive in today’s digital age.

Imagine a scenario where a parent tells their teen to "just turn off social media if it bothers them" without realizing how central these platforms are to teens' social lives and identities. This well-meaning advice might only frustrate the teen further and push them to feel misunderstood, worsening the parent-teen relationship and the teen's isolation.

Here is what parents can (practically) do, to improve relationships with their teenagers:

To bridge this gap, parents need to start by truly understanding the world their teens live in—and that begins with empathy, education, and a willingness to learn. It’s important for parents to recognize that what worked for their generation may not apply today. Here are some practical steps:

1. Educate Yourself on Teen Trends and Technology:

Stay informed about the platforms your teen uses, from TikTok to Instagram, and understand the content they engage with. Research shows that teens spend an average of 7 hours and 22 minutes on screens daily (excluding schoolwork), making digital media a massive part of their lives. Simply acknowledging its impact shows empathy and commitment to understanding their experience.

2. Open Communication Without Judgment:

Create a safe space where your teen feels comfortable sharing their experiences without fearing judgment. Ask open-ended questions like, “What do you enjoy about [social media app]?” or “How does it make you feel to see certain types of posts?” These conversations build trust, helping teens feel seen rather than criticized.

3. Empathize with Their Pressures and Challenges:

Recognize that, beyond the digital sphere, academic and social pressures are also intense. According to the American Psychological Association, teens today report stress levels that exceed those of adults during the school year. Show understanding by expressing empathy for these pressures rather than minimizing them. Statements like, “I can see how hard you’re working; it seems like a lot to balance,” can make a huge difference.

4. Encourage Balance, Not Restriction:

Instead of enforcing strict screen time limits without context, help your teen find balance by guiding them toward other activities they enjoy. Offer support for offline activities that nurture resilience and self-esteem, from sports and hobbies to volunteering. Encouraging balance shows you respect their choices while promoting healthier habits.

5. Model Healthy Boundaries:

Teens learn from what they see. By modelling healthy screen-time habits and showing that you also set boundaries around technology, you offer a powerful example. If your teen sees you prioritizing offline time, they’ll understand the importance of balance without feeling singled out.

What else can parents do?

Understanding your teen’s world is the first step in building a stronger, healthier relationship with them. It’s about recognizing that their experiences, stressors, and relationships are influenced by a complex web of factors unique to this generation. But empathy and understanding are just the beginning. Parents also need the skills to navigate these dynamics effectively, fostering resilience, communication, and mutual respect. Not only will this improve parent's own personal lives, but it will do wonders for the parent-teen relationship.

Our psychosocial skills course Future Forge provides teens with the skills and perspectives they need to improve things on their side of this relationship, but, we've structured it in such a way that it can also equip parents with practical tools and insights to connect with their teens on a deeper level. We've done this by giving parents free access to our entire course with each purchase for thier teens, so they can be more aware of how to meaningfully support their teens through the process of growing up well. Our courses are designed to address the unique challenges of today’s youth while giving parents the skills to support them in a meaningful, modern way.

If you are ready to take the next step in understanding and supporting your teen, head over to our page Future Forge to explore more strategies for positive, productive communication and relationship-building that will set your family up for success now and into the future. Click here to learn more about our offerings and find the support you need to make a lasting impact.

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