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Teenagers

Families come in all shapes and sizes. And parenting can be like a rollercoaster, with lots of highs and lows.  Often in families there are teenagers as well as little children, so working with parents we developed resources for four key themes parents said they need help with. 

We would like to thank Dr. John Coleman for helping us develop these resources.  He has written widely about all aspects of adolescence. Further  information on this work can be found on his website.

Visit Dr. John Coleman's website

We have videos featuring Dr John Coleman on the topics of:

Puberty, the Teenage Brain and Sleep

The film is divided into three parts: puberty, the teenage brain and sleep. Here are the main topics covered:

Puberty:

  • A description of puberty
  • The psychological effect of puberty
  • The experiences of those who are either very early or very late developers

The teenage brain:

  • A description of the main changes that take place during the teenage years
  • The effects of those changes, both positive and more challenging
  • The role of hormones
  • Risk and reward
  • Why this information can be of help to parents and carers

Sleep:

  • The teenager’s body clock and melatonin
  • What happens during sleep
  • Why sleep really matters for teenagers
  • Helping teens overcome the melatonin effect
Information Sheet 1 - Puberty, the Teenage Brain and Sleep

Download the information pack below

Puberty, the Teenage Brain and Sleep information sheets

Communication

This film is about communication between teenagers and parents and carers. Here are the main topics covered:

Why communication matters:

  • Why good communication makes a difference
  • What teenagers say about communication
  • What parents and carers say about communication

Why things can go wrong:

  • The problem of silence and grunting
  • How breakdown leads to conflict and anger
  • What do teenagers actually want?

Some key things about communication:

  • Filters
  • The power balance
  • Information management
  • Communication is a skill - adults may be better at it

How to get to a better place:

  • Two-way communication
  • Repair when things have gone wrong
  • Learning about good communication
Information Sheet 2 - Communication

Download the information pack below

Communication information sheets

The Digital World

This film is about teenagers and the digital world. Here are the main topics covered:

The background to the digital world:

  • Adult attitudes to social media
  • Adult use of technology and digital devices
  • The impact of Covid
  • The notion of screen time

Threats and opportunities:

  • Worrying aspects of the on-line world
  • The opportunities are important too
  • All ages are using the on-line world
  • Emphasis on creativity, access to information, social life and so on

Digital literacy:

  • What is meant by digital literacy?
  • Different ages need different skills
  • The need to think ahead
  • Emotion regulation
  • Resilience
  • Knowing where to go for help

The role of adults:

  • What can adults do?
  • Adults do have a role!
  • Everything cannot be left to the school
  • Adults need to respect the young person’s privacy
  • However, adults should not opt out
Information Sheet 3 - The Digital World

Download the information pack below

The Digital World information sheets

Mental Health and Wellbeing

This film is about the mental health and well-being of teenagers. Here are the main topics covered:

Introduction:

  • The pressures faced by teenagers today
  • Greater awareness of mental health
  • The worries of parents
  • What has changed in the last few years?

The needs of teenagers:

  • The teenage brain
  • Individual differences
  • The transition from child to adult

How to manage emotions:

  • Emotion regulation
  • Difficult emotions
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Strategies for well-being

What can parents and carers do?:

  • The role of adults
  • Key support structures
  • What is normal for teenagers?
  • How to help, and knowing when to intervene
Information Sheet 4 - Mental Health and Wellbeing

Download the information pack below

Mental Health and Wellbeing information sheets