Parent Question: Something Is Off with My Teen—Now What?

When your teen suddenly seems different, it’s easy for your brain to jump to the worst-case scenario. New clothes, new friends, sharper attitude—and suddenly you’re wondering if something is seriously wrong.

In this episode, we talk about what to do when something feels off with your teen and how to take that concern seriously without jumping straight to panic. We introduce the “chapter 10 parent vs. chapter 3 kid” framework and share practical ways to stay curious, check devices, and keep kids safe online.

We discuss:
• trusting your gut without spiraling into fear
• separating urgent self-harm risk from normal teen changes
• understanding how social media algorithms can influence teens
• asking curious questions instead of accusing or shaming
• doing random phone checks with clear expectations
• checking influencer feeds and algorithm recommendations
• staying calm and engaged when attitude shows up

If there are signs of self-harm or immediate danger, involve medical or mental health professionals right away. For everything else in the gray zone, this episode will help you respond thoughtfully instead of reacting from fear.

To support our work helping families navigate the digital world, visit nextTalk.org.

RESOURCES

Random Phone Checks? - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/random-phone-checks/

What would you tell your 9th grade self? - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/what-would-you-tell-your-9th-grade-self/

3 Things Every Kid Needs (From a Youth Pastor) - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/3-things-every-kid-needs-from-a-youth-pastor/

Influenced - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/influenced/

How do I get my kids to tell me what they’re seeing online? - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/how-do-i-get-my-kids-to-tell-me-what-theyre-seeing-online/

How do I get my kids to talk? - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/how-do-i-get-my-kids-to-talk/

Build a Safe Place - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/build-a-safe-place/

It feels like I’m losing my kid. Why is my kid pulling away? - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/it-feels-like-im-losing-my-kid-why-is-my-kid-pulling-away/

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

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