ySafe | How to Talk to Your Teen About Adolescence: Insights from ySafe

At ySafe, we’ve spent years engaging with young people about some of the most difficult online safety challenges they face. We know that conversations about risky behaviours, peer pressure, and mental health can be tough, but we also know they’re essential. With the release of Netflix’s Adolescence, parents and school wellbeing staff have a unique opportunity to open up meaningful discussions with your child.

Based on our expertise, here’s how you can make these conversations constructive, restorative, and impactful.

Step 1: Co-View and Reflect

• Assess Your Own Parenting Approach: Consider where you’ve succeeded and where you might need to adjust your strategies.
• Recognise Your Teen’s Reality: This show reflects many of the real-life struggles teens face today. Try to understand their world through their lens.
• Prepare for Vulnerability: Be ready to acknowledge where you may have missed the mark and model open, honest dialogue to improve yourself and the family as a whole.
  
  

Step 2: Create a Safe Space for Open Dialogue

• Lead with Curiosity, Not Judgment: Instead of reacting immediately, ask open-ended questions that invite your teen to share.
• Listen Without Fixing: Sometimes, teens just need to be heard. Resist the urge to immediately offer solutions.

Acknowledge Their Feelings: Even if their perspective differs from yours, validating their emotions builds trust.

Step 3: Use Thoughtful Conversation Starters

• "What did you think about Jamie’s choices in the series? Why do you think he felt those were his only options?"
• "If you were in his situation, how would you have handled things differently?"

Exploring Social Influences

• "The show highlights how social media shapes teen behaviour. Have you (or your friends) ever felt pressured to act a certain way online?"
• "Do you think parents really understand what it’s like to be a teenager today? Why or why not?"

Discussing Family and Support Systems

• "Jamie’s relationships with his family played a huge role in his struggles. How do you think our family dynamic affects your experience?"
• "Are there times when you feel like you can’t talk to us about things? What would make it easier?"
  Navigating Risk and Consequences
• "Some characters in the show took risks that led to big consequences. Have you ever seen something like that happen in real life?"
• "How do you think young people can protect themselves from getting into dangerous situations?"

At ySafe, we champion a restorative approach when it comes to guiding young people. Rather than using fear or punishment, focus on solutions that help your teen grow.

Encourage Self-Reflection: Ask your teen what they think they can do differently in certain situations.
Co-Create Solutions: Work together to set boundaries that feel fair but protective.
Keep the Door Open: Let them know that no matter what happens, you are a safe space for them to turn to.

Final Thoughts: Why This Conversation Matters

We’ve had thousands of conversations with students about the tough realities of online and offline life. We know that when parents and school wellbeing staff engage in open, honest, and informed discussions, young people feel safer and more empowered to make good decisions. Adolescence is more than just a show—it’s an opportunity. Use it to strengthen your connection with the young people in your life and reinforce the support systems they need.