Raising Teens is a radio series that aired on BBC Sussex from 4 April – 30 May 2019. Created by Make (Good) Trouble and produced in collaboration with BBC Sussex and BBC Surrey.
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The show is a warm-hearted and honest round-table discussion about parenting teenagers and teen mental health. It is hosted by presenter Guy Lloyd and includes teens’ own stories from Make (Good) Trouble’s young reporter Lola Ray. Her teen stories are surprising, thought provoking and often delightful. The show aims to bring those involved in raising teens together to dispel myths around teen mental health and offer practical help and tips.
Episode 8: Language – broadcast 8pm Thursday 28 May 2019
Do you understand everything your teen says? How does the language teens use today shape their view of the world around them?
👉 Listen to Raising Teens: Language on BBC Sounds
Episode 7: The teenage brain – broadcast 8pm Thursday 23 May 2019
How does knowing about the development of the teenage brain help parents understand their teens? And would it help teens understand what they’re experiencing? Has modern technology re-wired the brains of today’s young people? And is it progress?
👉 Listen to Raising Teens: The teenage brain on BBC Sounds
Episode 6: Relationships – broadcast 8pm Thursday 16 May 2019
Friends, family, romance, sex… how do teens navigate relationships with their peers and how do parents feel about their teens’ growing independence and seemingly risky behaviour when it comes to sex and friendships? How do you have the “sex” talk with your teen? What happens when teens have friends that parents don’t like? How should parents steer their teens to be responsible when it comes to relationships and is that even possible?
👉 Listen to Raising Teens: Relationships on BBC Sounds
Episode 5: Body image – broadcast 8pm Thursday 2 May 2019
How do today’s teens feel about their own body image? And how has it affected how they behave and live their lives? Do they feel pressured to change the way they look? Instagram face, plastic surgery, the Kardashian effect – and the backlash that has ensued. Are today’s social media “influencers” any different from the magazines your parents’ generation poured over as a teen, showing photoshopped unattainable bodies?
👉 Listen to Raising Teens: Body image on BBC Sounds
Episode 4: Resilience – broadcast 8pm Thursday 25 April 2019
Are teens more or less resilient than their parents’ generation? How can we build resilience in our young people? And can teens be taught resilience to help them cope with the stresses and strains of living in the 21st Century?
👉 Listen to Raising Teens: Resilience on BBC Sounds
Episode 3: Sleep – broadcast 8pm Thursday 18 April 2019
Many parents are worried about their teens’ sleeping habits. Technology has wormed its way into the bedroom and is keeping us up at night. Do teens get enough sleep? One study says that only 15% of teens get enough sleep on school nights. 53% of young people say worry and stress keep them awake at night. When should parents worry and how can teens help wean themselves off their devices at night?
👉 Listen to Raising Teens: Sleep on BBC Sounds
Episode 2: School Stress – broadcast 8pm Thursday 11 April 2019
News media report that children are suffering from unprecedented levels of stress when it comes to school – exam pressure, not enough “downtime” (homework, social media) and lack of sleep are cited as causes. This has led to a huge rise in mental health issues in teens.
How does school stress manifest itself? How do teens find ways to cope? What help is out there for parents to better understand and guide their teen through the school years?
👉 Listen to Raising Teens: School Stress on BBC Sounds
Episode 1: Social Media & Devices – broadcast 8pm Thursday 4 April 2019
This episode looks at what effect social media and technology is having on teens. Has it re-wired their brains to expect fast-paced but bite-sized information instead of longer form content? How is it transforming relationships, home life and future careers? Has it helped to give young people a voice?
👉 Listen to Raising Teens: Social Media & Devices on BBC Sounds
Pilot episode – broadcast 9pm 4 March 2019
Make (Good) Trouble was invited to be part of The Big Takeover with Kathy Caton last Monday for a special feature on BBC Sussex radio. We brought along parents Daisy, Harry and Jane, as well as Rosie Scott from Hove Park school. They discussed flare-ups, how to get a teen to talk, where to get support for yourself as a parent and broaching difficult subjects.
👇 Listen to our pilot episode
HELP AND SUPPORT
For England-wide mental health services and support (11-25 years), including advice on depression, relationships, bullying and anxiety, please visit: www.findgetgive.com
For a list of all Brighton and Hove services (11-25 years) please search: www.wheretogofor.co.uk
If you are in a crisis and looking for support, please visit: www.findgetgive.com/crisis/