Category: teens

  • Teenage Problems with Parents: 3 Types of Conflicts Parents MUST Learn to Resolve

    Teenage Problems with Parents: 3 Types of Conflicts Parents MUST Learn to Resolve

    Parenting teens is a rollercoaster.

    The highs can be incredibly rewarding. You feel pride and joy in seeing them learn new things, reach new milestones, and grow more confident in their identity.

    But the lows can also hit very hard. Conflicts become more intense, and misunderstandings last longer. Sometimes, your teen’s desire for independence can feel like rejection.

    Many changes happen during the teenage years, so tension at home is bound to rise.

    Common teenage problems with parents include communication issues, power struggles, and emotional distance.

    In this article, we’ll look at three common problems teenagers face in family relationships, especially with their parents. We’ll also explore ways you can rebuild trust, improve communication, and strengthen your bond with your teens.

    (Make sure to download your free quick action guide below.)

    Problem #1: Communication breakdown

    As your teenagers grow older, you may notice a shift in how they communicate with you.

    Conversations now feel shorter, and arguments happen more often. When you do talk, your teen might sound distant, dismissive, or impatient. Instead of proper replies, you might be met with a one-word answer, an exasperated sigh, or a dramatic eye roll.

    What it seems like to you

    When your teens stop talking, it’s easy to see it as disrespect or defiance.

    When your once-chatty child no longer seems interested in your company, it’s understandable to feel hurt or frustrated.

    Why this happens

    There are a few reasons why your teens might withdraw or avoid conversations with you, including the following:

    • They’re craving independence and privacy. Adolescence brings major changes—physical, emotional, mental, and social. Your teens may keep more to themselves, especially if they think you might try to fix their problems.
    • They’re juggling many new expectations and responsibilities. When they’re stressed or tired, they don’t have the energy for long talks.
    • They fear judgment or consequences. Teens won’t open up if they’re worried you’ll scold, judge, or punish them.
    • They want to protect you. Some teens keep their struggles to themselves because they don’t want to worry you.

    Try to understand why your teen is pulling away. Every teenager is different.

    How to foster healthy communication

    How to foster healthy communication

    Here’s how to communicate with your teens in a healthy way:

    • Listen without interrupting. Your teenagers need to feel heard and safe when talking to you, or they’re less likely to open up to you the next time. You don’t have to agree with everything they say. But give them your full attention without any interruptions, interrogations, or big reactions.
    • Keep your tone calm and your reactions measured. Teens are bound to make mistakes. When they do, it’s important to respond calmly. Avoid yelling, shaming, or name-calling. Stay firm but respectful. If you need time to cool down, let them know you’ll revisit the conversation once you’ve both had a chance to reflect.
    • Guide them instead of nagging. When your teens share something, acknowledge their perspective. Avoid jumping right into blame or criticism. Encourage reflection by asking questions such as, “What did you learn from this?” or “What might you do differently next time?” Then, offer your feedback calmly and constructively.
    • Find shared moments and interests. Meaningful conversations can happen in casual settings, such as during car rides, walks, or mealtimes. You can also explore new hobbies or activities together.
    • Model humility and honesty. If you’ve said or done something wrong, own up to it. This will help create a culture of respect and humility in your family.

    Over time, these small, consistent efforts can help rebuild trust and improve communication with your teens.

    Problem #2: Rebellion and struggles over rules and independence

    Your teens may stay out later, spend more time online or with friends, or want more privacy. They might refuse to follow the boundaries you’ve set and ignore consequences.

    Such disagreements can easily turn into power struggles. These will often leave your teens feeling controlled and you feeling disrespected.

    What it seems like to you

    From a parent’s perspective, these clashes can look like rebellion or defiance.

    You set boundaries because you care about their safety and well-being, but your teens might see them as signs of mistrust or control. Every time they break a rule, talk back, or test a boundary, it can feel like they’re challenging your authority.

    Why this happens

    During adolescence, teens naturally crave more freedom and independence. Even reasonable boundaries can feel restrictive to them; it’s part of growing up.

    This creates conflict, but it’s also an opportunity to guide them. Instead of controlling every decision, you can help your teens learn to make good choices on their own.

    Keep in mind that the parts of the brain that handle impulses and decision-making are still developing in teenagers. So your teens might not foresee the consequences of their actions.

    But your teens can still make mature choices. Research shows that adult support and a safe space to think help them make wise decisions.

    How to set effective rules and boundaries

    How to set effective rules and boundaries

    You play a vital role in teaching and guiding your teen, but it’s important to do so in a way that doesn’t strain your relationship.

    Try these strategies:

    • Set and negotiate the house rules. Involve your teens in setting boundaries and deciding on consequences for breaking them. Be open to hearing their opinions. When they feel heard, they’re more likely to cooperate.
    • Set boundaries around health and safety, not control. Too many rules can feel like micromanaging and may push your teen to rebel.
    • Explain the “why.” When teens understand the reason behind a rule, like finishing homework before video games, they’re more likely to respect it.
    • Set reasonable consequences. Connect consequences to the broken rule. For example, if your teen plays video games before finishing homework, they might lose their gaming privileges the next day. Stay consistent so they take the rules seriously.
    • Show trust when it’s earned. Your teens may prove that they can handle responsibility over time. If so, gradually loosen certain rules and reward them with more independence.

    Discipline and rules are important, but pick your battles wisely. Step in when safety or values are at stake, but allow your teenagers space to learn from their own choices. Sometimes, natural consequences can also teach good lessons.

    Problem #3: Emotional distance and mood swings

    Your teens may seem distant and no longer eager to spend time with the family.

    They might retreat to their rooms, spend hours on their phones, or respond to simple questions with short, snappy answers. Sometimes, it feels like your teenagers are shutting you out.

    Their moods can also change in an instant. One moment they’re cheerful and affectionate, the next they’re cold, withdrawn, or defiant.

    What it seems like to you

    As a parent, this emotional distance is heartbreaking. You might feel helpless, frustrated, or even rejected when your attempts to connect are met with silence.

    It can seem like the bond you once had is slipping away, or that your teen no longer values your guidance and reassurance.

    Why this happens

    Emotional ups and downs are a regular part of adolescence. Your teen’s brain is still developing, and hormonal changes can trigger sudden shifts in mood. Add in peer pressure, academic stress, and self-image struggles. No wonder teenagers get overwhelmed by emotions.

    Because teens are still learning to manage their emotions, they may cope by withdrawing, shutting down, or lashing out at others. Their need for independence and their desire to fit in can drive them to spend more time online or with friends rather than with family.

    The truth is, they still need your support and assurance. They just struggle to show it.

    How to support your teens

    How to support your teens

    Parents play a huge role in helping their teens feel emotionally safe and supported. In fact, research shows that a strong parent-teen bond can help teens build better emotional regulatory skills.

    Here’s what you can do:

    • Show consistent support, even when it’s hard. Empathy goes a long way. Remind your teens that they can talk to you about anything. When they do, give them your full attention.
    • Validate their feelings. You won’t always agree with your teenagers. Even so, avoid dismissing or minimizing their opinions and emotions. Let them know it’s normal to feel upset, frustrated, or sad sometimes. What matters most is how they manage and respond to those feelings.
    • Encourage healthy coping habits. Help your teens develop a stress-management routine. You can suggest activities such as journaling, drawing, or playing music. Encourage physical self-care, too. For example, exercise together, prepare healthy meals, and teach them good sleep habits.
    • Normalize seeking help. Many teens view getting professional help as a sign of weakness. Reassure them that reaching out for support takes courage and strength. Offer to help them find a supportive professional when they’re ready to seek help.

    Supporting your teenagers through emotional ups and downs takes patience, empathy, and consistency. They might not admit it, but your support will help them feel more secure and confident.

    Conclusion

    Parenting teenagers is no easy task. But every disagreement or challenge is also an opportunity to understand each other better and to strengthen your bond.

    The key is to listen with empathy, set fair boundaries, and offer consistent support. By doing so, you create a safe and loving space your teens can always return to while they learn to navigate the outside world.

    Teens can also benefit from extra guidance from a coach or mentor. Through my coaching program, I’ve helped teens around the world build strong values and improve their communication. This empowers them to form healthier relationships with family and friends.

    So check out the coaching program today!

    (And if you haven’t already done so, download your free quick action guide below.)

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  • Inside Schools’ Teen Nicotine Crackdown – The 74

    Inside Schools’ Teen Nicotine Crackdown – The 74

    School (in)Security is our biweekly briefing on the latest school safety news, vetted by Mark Keierleber. Subscribe here.

    It was in physical education class when Laila Gutierrez swapped out self-harm for a new vice: Vaping.

    Like students across the country, Gutierrez got dragged into a nicotine-fueled war between vape manufacturers, who used celebrity marketing and fruity flavors to hook kids on e-cigarettes, and educators, who’ve turned to surveillance tools and discipline to crack down on the youngest users. Gutierrez was suspended for a week after she was nabbed vaping in a crowded school bathroom during her lunch hour. 

    In my latest investigative deep dive, co-published this week with WIRED, I reveal how school districts across the country have spent millions to install vape-detecting sensors in school bathrooms — once considered a digital surveillance no-go. The devices prioritize punishment to combat student nicotine addiction.

    Eamonn Fitzmaurice/The 74

    My analysis of public records obtained from Minneapolis Public Schools reveals the sensors inundated administrators with alerts — about one per minute during a typical school day, on average. Their presence brought a spike in school discipline, records show, with suspensions dwarfing treatment services and younger middle school students facing the harshest consequences. 

    The sheer volume of alerts, more than 45,000 over seven months across four schools, raises questions about whether they’re an effective way to get kids to give up their vape pens. And some students voiced privacy concerns about the sensors, the most high tech of which can now reportedly detect keywords, how many young people are in the bathroom at one time and for how long. 

    “Surveillance is only a diagnosis,” Texas student activist Cameron Samuels told me. “It only recognizes symptoms of a failed system.”  

    In the news

    Charlotte, North Carolina, school officials reported more than 30,000 students absent on Monday, two days after federal immigration agents arrested 130 people there in their latest sweep. That more recent data point underscores the 81,000 school days missed by more than 100,000 students in California’s Central Valley after immigration raids earlier this year, according to a newly peer reviewed Stanford University study. | The 74

    • Los Angeles schools have lost thousands of immigrant students — from 157,619 in the 2018-19 school year to just 62,000 this year — because of the city’s rising prices and falling birth rates. Now, that trend has intensified after the “chilling effect” of recent federal immigration raids, district officials said. | The 74
    • Student enrollment is dropping in school districts across the country amid President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. In Miami, for example, the number of new immigrant students has decreased by more than 10,000 compared to last year. | The Associated Press

    Ten Commandments: Siding with the families of students who argued they infringed on their religious freedom, a federal judge on Tuesday ordered some Texas public school districts to remove Ten Commandment displays from their classroom walls by next month. | The New York Times

    • 28 Bills, Ten Commandments and 1 Source: A Christian Right ‘Bill Mill’. | The 74

    Online gaming platform Roblox announced it will block children from interacting with teens and adults in the wake of lawsuits alleging the platform has been used by predators to groom young people. | The Guardian

    Furry and freaky: “Kumma,” a Chinese-made teddy bear with artificial intelligence capabilities and marketed toward children, is being pulled from shelves after researchers found it could teach its users how to light matches and about sexual kinks. | Futurism

    A teenage girl from New York reported to a police officer at school that her adoptive father had been raping her at home for years. The officer, who didn’t believe her, bungled the case — and she was abused again. | New York Focus

    ‘Brazen cruelty’: A federal judge has ordered the release of a 16-year-old Bronx high schooler who has spent nearly a month in federal immigration custody despite having a protective status reserved for immigrant youth who were abused, neglected or abandoned by a parent. | amNewYork

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    Civil rights groups have decried proposed federal changes to the Education Department’s data collection on racial disparities in special education that could make it more difficult to identify and address service gaps. | K-12 Dive

    ‘Dead-naming’ enforced: A Texas law now requires school employees to use names and pronouns that conform to students’ sex at birth. Several transgender students whose schools are complying say it has transformed school from a place of support to one that rejects who they are. | The Texas Tribune.

    ICYMI @The74

    Education Secretary Linda McMahon has signed agreements with other agencies to take over major K-12 and higher education programs in keeping with President Donald Trump’s effort to shut down the Department of Education. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

    Emotional Support

    “Let’s circle back in 2026.”

    -Taittinger, already


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  • Sleep Hygiene for Teens: Proven Ways for Teens to Get Better Sleep

    Sleep Hygiene for Teens: Proven Ways for Teens to Get Better Sleep

    It’s 11:00 pm. You’re still scrolling through your phone, telling yourself, “Just five more minutes.”

    Then all of a sudden, it’s midnight, and your brain is somehow more awake than it was an hour ago.

    Sound familiar?

    Late nights make mornings miserable. When you wake up tired, focusing in class or during activities becomes impossible.

    But getting enough rest isn’t always as simple as going to bed earlier. Distractions can easily keep you up. And even if you do make it to bed on time, you might toss and turn instead of drifting off to sleep right away.

    Sleep hygiene for teens is all about building healthy habits that make it easier to fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up refreshed.

    These practical tips will help you give your mind and body the rest they need.

    (Don’t forget to download your free quick action guide below.)

    Why do teens stay up late?

    Teens stay up too late for several reasons, and most of them stem from habits and lifestyle choices.

    After a long day of school, extracurriculars, and homework, nighttime can feel like your only chance to relax. That’s when activities like scrolling through social media, gaming, or chatting with friends can push past bedtime.

    Many of these activities also involve screen time, which makes things worse. According to the Sleep Foundation, using screens at night can delay the release of melatonin. This is the hormone that helps you fall asleep. As a result, you may find yourself staying awake much later than planned.

    Additionally, biology plays a role. During puberty, hormonal changes naturally push the body’s internal clock later, often by an hour or two. That’s why you might not feel sleepy until significantly later.

    With all these factors at play, the relationship between teens and sleep can be complicated. But understanding why this happens is the first step to better rest.

    Why do teens need more sleep?

    Why do teens need more sleep?

    Teens need about 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night.

    During this stage of life, you are undergoing rapid physical and mental growth. So, sleep isn’t just “rest time” for your body; it’s when your brain and body do some of their most important work.

    Here’s why sleep is so important for teens:

    • Better focus and learning: Sleep supports brain development. It also strengthens memory and helps your brain process what you learned during the day. This means you can absorb new information and feel more confident in your learning.
    • Stronger mood regulation: Without enough sleep, it’s easy to feel cranky or anxious. A good night’s rest helps you manage stress, control emotions, and handle challenges more calmly.
    • Improved performance: Sleep can enhance your performance in sports, music, and other activities. Proper rest sharpens your reaction time, creativity, learning, and overall performance.
    • Healthy growth and development: Your body needs sleep for important functions. Sleep helps to support growth, repair muscles, and keep you energized for the next day.
    • Stronger immune system and long-term health: Sleep gives your body the time it needs to recharge and fight off illnesses. It also supports a healthy heart, balanced metabolism, and overall well-being.

    Sleep deprivation in teens is more common than you might think.

    When you consistently get less than 8 hours of sleep, the effects build up over time. You might notice yourself feeling more irritable, struggling to concentrate, or getting sick often.

    The good news? Once you start prioritizing sleep, your body can recover, and you’ll typically begin feeling better within a few days.

    Why do teenagers sleep so much on weekends?

    Why do teenagers sleep so much on weekends?

    If you find yourself sleeping until noon on Saturdays, you’re probably dealing with what’s known as “sleep debt.”

    When you don’t get enough rest during the week, your body tries to catch up on weekends.

    While recovery sleep can help you feel better temporarily, it’s not a long-term solution. The goal is to get consistent, quality sleep every night so you don’t need to crash on weekends.

    In short, getting enough sleep isn’t just about avoiding morning grogginess. It’s essential for supporting your body’s rapid growth during the teenage years and protecting your health in the long run.

    Sleep hygiene habits for teens that actually work

    Sleep hygiene means building habits and creating an environment that helps you get high-quality sleep every night.

    You don’t have to completely overhaul your life to improve your sleep hygiene. Even a few small changes to your routine can make a huge difference in how quickly you fall asleep and how rested you feel the next morning.

    Let’s explore some practical sleep hygiene tips for teens.

    Set a consistent bedtime and wake-up time

    Your body works best on a routine. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends, helps to keep your internal clock on track.

    Start by setting a realistic bedtime and sticking to it as consistently as you can. Try not to shift your sleep schedule by more than an hour, even if it’s tempting to stay up late on weekends.

    When you keep a steady routine, your body begins to recognize when it’s time to wind down. You’ll naturally start feeling sleepy around bedtime. This makes it easier to fall asleep and wake up feeling refreshed the next morning.

    Create a pre-sleep routine

    A calming bedtime routine signals to your brain that it’s time to get ready to sleep.

    Pick one or two self-care activities that help you feel calm. Examples include reading a book, listening to soft music, taking a warm bath, or doing some light stretching.

    Avoid anything too stimulating before bed. Activities like doing homework, watching an intense show, or playing a fast-paced game might make you stressed or excited.

    Once you’ve found what works for you, commit to doing it for about 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. Over time, this routine will train your body and mind to shift into “sleep mode” easily.

    Limit screen time at least 30 minutes before bed

    Limit screen time at least 30 minutes before bed

    Phones, tablets, and laptops give off blue light, which can interfere with the production of melatonin. As a result, your brain may find it harder to wind down at night.

    To avoid this, try putting away your devices at least 30 to 60 minutes before bed. Use that time to do something relaxing that doesn’t involve screens, such as reading, journaling, or listening to calming music.

    If that feels challenging, start small. Try going screen-free just 10 minutes before bed and gradually increase the time every one or two weeks.

    Keep your room cool and dark

    Your sleep environment matters more than you might think.

    If your bedroom is too bright, your body may still think it’s daytime, which can lower melatonin levels and make it harder to fall asleep. Your body also needs to cool down to get good quality rest.

    Here are a few ways to create a sleep-friendly environment:

    • Use blackout curtains or a sleep mask to block out light.
    • Keep your room cool with an air conditioner or fan.
    • Use earplugs or a white noise machine.
    • Turn off your devices or mute notifications before bed.

    Avoid caffeine in the late afternoon and evening

    Energy drinks, coffee, and some sodas contain caffeine. Caffeine stays in your system for hours, keeping you awake long after the time you intend to go to bed.

    Try switching to caffeine-free drinks in the late afternoon and evening. Avoid caffeine for at least 6 to 8 hours before going to bed.

    In general, teens should also limit their daily caffeine intake to under 100 mg, which is approximately equivalent to one cup of coffee.

    Don’t nap too late in the day

    Naps can boost energy and focus, but long or late naps can make it harder to fall asleep at night.

    If you really need to nap, keep it short. Set an alarm to wake you up after 20 to 30 minutes. Make it a point to nap earlier in the afternoon rather than close to bedtime. That way, you’ll still feel refreshed during the day without disrupting your nighttime sleep.

    Tips to promote better sleep quality

    In addition to improving your sleep hygiene, other lifestyle habits can help you fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper sleep.

    Use your bed only for sleep

    Reserve your bed strictly for sleeping. Avoid using it for other activities, such as studying, scrolling through your phone, or watching shows.

    When your brain associates your bed only with sleep, it becomes easier to relax and drift off when you get into bed.

    If you enjoy reading, journaling, or listening to music, try doing those activities in another cozy spot, like a sofa or chair. Only move to your bed when you’re ready to sleep.

    Exercise during the day

    Exercise during the day

    Regular physical activity can significantly improve the quality of your sleep. Exercise helps reduce stress and promotes deeper, more restorative sleep.

    Teens should get about 60 minutes of exercise daily. But if that feels overwhelming, start small. Try 30 minutes of activity on most days and gradually build up from there.

    Just remember to avoid intense workouts close to bedtime, as they can leave you feeling energized rather than sleepy.

    Manage stress before bed

    Maybe you’re lying in bed replaying an awkward conversation from lunch, or you can’t stop thinking about tomorrow’s biology test. When your mind races like this, falling asleep becomes nearly impossible.

    Here are some ways to manage stress and clear your mind before bedtime:

    • Create a to-do list to organize your thoughts and reduce mental clutter.
    • Do deep breathing exercises.
    • Write in a journal to release your worries or reflect on your day.
    • Practice gratitude by reflecting on a few positive things that happened.
    • Listen to calming music or nature sounds.

    Consider using a sleep tracker

    If you’re curious about your sleep patterns, using a sleep tracker can provide valuable insights.

    Many phone apps and smartwatches can track how long and how deeply you sleep, helping you understand your sleep patterns better. They can also show how certain habits, such as exercise, caffeine intake, or screen time, impact your sleep.

    With this information, you can make small but effective adjustments to improve your overall sleep quality.

    Conclusion

    Building better sleep habits is just the beginning. When you learn how to take charge of your routines, you don’t just sleep better. You also think more clearly, handle stress with confidence, and feel more in control of your life.

    Through my 1:1 coaching program, I’ve helped teens transform not just their sleep, but their entire approach to school, stress, and life. If you’re ready to build habits that actually stick and create lasting change, I’d love to help!

    (And if you haven’t already downloaded your free quick action guide, you can get it below.)

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  • Students Love AI Chatbots — No, Really – The 74

    Students Love AI Chatbots — No, Really – The 74

    School (in)Security is our biweekly briefing on the latest school safety news, vetted by Mark Keierleber. Subscribe here.

    The robots have taken over.

    New research suggests that a majority of students use chatbots like ChatGPT for just about everything at school. To write essays. To solve complicated math problems. To find love. 

    Wait, what? 

    Nearly a fifth of students said they or a friend have used artificial intelligence chatbots to form romantic relationships, according to a new survey by the nonprofit Center for Democracy & Technology. Some 42% said they or someone they know used the chatbots for mental health support, as an escape from real life or as a friend.

    Eighty-six percent of students say they’ve used artificial intelligence chatbots in the past academic year — half to help with schoolwork.

    The tech-enabled convenience, researchers conclude, doesn’t come without significant risks for young people. Namely, as AI proliferates in schools — with help from the federal government and a zealous tech industry — on a promise to improve student outcomes, they warn that young people could grow socially and emotionally disconnected from the humans in their lives. 

    In the news

    The latest in Trump’s immigration crackdown: The survey featured above, which quizzed students, teachers and parents, also offers startling findings on immigration enforcement in schools: 
    While more than a quarter of educators said their school collects information about whether a student is undocumented, 17% said their district shares records — including grades and disciplinary information — with immigration enforcement. 

    In the last school year, 13% of teachers said a staff member at their school reported a student or parent to immigration enforcement of their own accord. | Center for Democracy & Technology

    People hold signs as New York City officials speak at a press conference calling for the release of high school student Mamadou Mouctar Diallo outside of the Tweed Courthouse on Aug. 14 in New York City. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
    • Call for answers: In the wake of immigration enforcement that’s ensnared children, New York congressional Democrats are demanding the feds release information about the welfare of students held in detention, my colleague Jo Napolitano reports. | The 74
    • A 13-year-old boy from Brazil, who has lived in a Boston suburb since 2021 with a pending asylum application, was scooped up by Immigration and Customs Enforcement after local police arrested him on a “credible tip” accusing him of making “a violent threat” against a classmate at school. The boy’s mother said her son wound up in a Virginia detention facility and was “desperate, saying ICE had taken him.” | CNN
    • Chicago teenagers are among a group of activists patrolling the city’s neighborhoods to monitor ICE’s deployment to the city and help migrants avoid arrest. | NPR
    • Immigration agents detained a Chicago Public Schools vendor employee outside a school, prompting educators to move physical education classes indoors out of an “abundance of caution.” | Chicago Sun-Times
    • A Des Moines, Iowa, high schooler was detained by ICE during a routine immigration check-in, placed in a Louisiana detention center and deported to Central America fewer than two weeks later. | Des Moines Register
    • A 15-year-old boy with disabilities — who was handcuffed outside a Los Angeles high school after immigration agents mistook him for a suspect — is among more than 170 U.S. citizens, including nearly 20 children, who have been detained during the first nine months of the president’s immigration push. | PBS

    Trigger warning: After a Washington state teenager hanged himself on camera, the 13-year-old boy’s parents set out to find out what motivated their child to livestream his suicide on Instagram while online users watched. Evidence pointed to a sadistic online group that relies on torment, blackmail and coercion to weed out teens they deem weak. | The Washington Post

    Civil rights advocates in New York are sounding the alarm over a Long Island school district’s new AI-powered surveillance system, which includes round-the-clock audio monitoring with in-classroom microphones. | StateScoop

    A federal judge has ordered the Department of Defense to restock hundreds of books after a lawsuit alleged students were banned from checking out texts related to race and gender from school libraries on military bases in violation of the First Amendment. | Military.com

    More than 600 armed volunteers in Utah have been approved to patrol campuses across the state to comply with a new law requiring armed security. Called school guardians, the volunteers are existing school employees who agree to be trained by local law enforcement and carry guns on campus. | KUER

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    No “Jackass”: Instagram announced new PG-13 content features that restrict teenagers from viewing posts that contain sex, drugs and “risky stunts.” | The Associated Press

    A Tuscaloosa, Alabama, school resource officer restrained and handcuffed a county commissioner after a spat at an elementary school awards program. | Tuscaloosa News

    The number of guns found at Minnesota schools has increased nearly threefold in the last several years, new state data show. | Axios

    More than half of Florida’s school districts received bomb threats on a single evening last week. The threats weren’t credible, officials said, and appeared to be “part of a hoax intended to solicit money.” | News 6

    ICYMI @The74

    RAPID Survey Project, Stanford Center on Early Childhood

    Survey: Nearly Half of Families with Young Kids Struggling to Meet Basic Needs

    Education Department Leans on Right-Wing Allies to Push Civil Rights Probes

    OPINION: To Combat Polarization and Political Violence, Let’s Connect Students Nationwide

    Emotional Support

    Thanks for reading,
    —Marz


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  • LGBTQ+ Rural Teens Find More Support Online Than in Their Communities – The 74

    LGBTQ+ Rural Teens Find More Support Online Than in Their Communities – The 74


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    New research has found that rural LGBTQ+ teens experience significant challenges in their communities and turn to the internet for support.

    The research from Hopelab and the Born This Way Foundation looked at what more than 1,200 LGBTQ+ teens faced and compared the experiences of those in rural communities with those of teens in suburban and urban communities. The research found that rural teens are more likely to give and receive support through their online communities and friends than via their in-person relationships.

    “The rural young people we’re seeing were reporting having a lot less support in their homes, in their communities, and their schools,” Mike Parent, a principal researcher at Hopelab, said in an interview with the Daily Yonder. “They weren’t doing too well in terms of feeling supported in the places they were living, though they were feeling supported online.”

    However, the research found that rural LGBTQ+ teens had the same sense of pride in who they were as suburban and urban teens.

    “The parallel, interesting finding was that we didn’t see differences in their internal sense of pride, which you might kind of expect if they feel all less supported,” he said. “What was surprising, in a very good way, was that indication of resilience or being able to feel a strong sense of their internal selves despite this kind of harsh environment they might be in.”

    Researchers recruited young people between the ages of 15 and 24 who identified as LGBTQ+ through targeted ads on social media. After surveying the respondents during August and September of last year, the researchers also followed up some of the surveys with interviews, Parent said.

    According to the study, rural teens were more likely than their urban and suburban counterparts to find support online. Of the rural respondents, 56% of rural young people reported receiving support from others online several times a month compared to 51% of urban and suburban respondents, and 76% reported giving support online, compared to 70% of urban and suburban respondents.

    Conversely, only 28% of rural respondents reported feeling supported by their schools, compared to 49% of urban and suburban respondents, the study found, and 13% of rural respondents felt supported by their communities, compared to 35% of urban and suburban respondents.

    Rural LGBTQ+ young people are significantly more likely to suffer mental health issues because of the lack of support where they live, researchers said. Rural LGBTQ+ young people were more likely to meet the threshold for depression (57% compared to 45%), and more likely to report less flourishing than their suburban/urban counterparts (43% to 52%).

    The study found that those LGBTQ+ young people who received support from those they lived with, regardless of where they live, are more likely to report flourishing (50% compared to 35%) and less likely to meet the threshold for depression (52% compared to 63%).

    One respondent said the impact of lack of support impacted every aspect of their lives.

    “Not being able to be who you truly are around the people that you love most or the communities that you’re in is going to make somebody depressed or give them mental issues,” they said in survey interviews, according to Hopelab. “Because if you can’t be who you are around the people that you love most and people who surround you, you’re not gonna be able to feel the best about your well-being.”

    Respondents said connecting with those online communities saved their lives.

    “Throughout my entire life, I have been bullied relentlessly. However, when I’m online, I find that it is easier to make friends… I met my best friend through role play [games],” one teen told researchers. “Without it, I wouldn’t be here today. So, in the long run, it’s the friendships I’ve made online that have kept me alive all these years.”

    Having support in rural areas, especially, can provide rural LGBTQ+ teens with a feeling of belonging, researchers said.

    “Our findings highlight the urgent need for safe, affirming in-person spaces and the importance of including young people in shaping the solutions,” Claudia-Santi F. Fernandes, vice president of research and evaluation at Born This Way Foundation, said in a statement. “If we want to improve outcomes, especially for LGBTQ+ young people in rural communities, their voices–and scientific evidence–must guide the work.”

    Parent said the survey respondents stressed the importance of having safe spaces for LGBTQ+ young people to gather in their own communities.

    “I think most of the participants recognize that you can’t do a lot to change your family if they’re not supportive,” he said. “What they were saying was that finding ways for schools to be supportive and for communities to be supportive in terms of physical spaces (that allowed them) to express themselves safely (and) having places where they can gather and feel safe, uh, were really important to them.”

    Hopelab seeks to address mental health in young people through evidence-based innovation, according to its organizers. The Born This Way Foundation was co-founded by Lady Gaga and her mother, West Virginia native Cynthia Bisset Germanotta.

    The organization is focused on ending bullying and building up communities, while using research, programming, grants, and partnerships to engage young people and connect them to mental health resources, according to the foundation’s website.

    This article first appeared on The Daily Yonder and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.


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  • Waymo Offers Teen Accounts. Is it Safe?

    Waymo Offers Teen Accounts. Is it Safe?

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  • How a Rhode Island Teen’s $1M Changed the State’s 6th Largest City – The 74

    How a Rhode Island Teen’s $1M Changed the State’s 6th Largest City – The 74


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    When then-16-year old Mariam Kaba won $1 million through the Transform Rhode Island scholarship three years ago, she saw it as her opportunity to create the change she wanted to see in her nearly 45,000-person community of Woonsocket. 

    “I don’t see much positive representation from our community all the time,” Kaba said. “I was thinking ‘my scholarship won’t get picked.’ But it did … and I was able to bring something so big to my community, a community that already doesn’t have the most funding in the world.” 

    The scholarship, funded by the Papitto Opportunity Connection Foundation, asks students to answer, “if you had $1 million how would you target the lives of those in Rhode Island and how would you create change?”

    Kaba’s investments resulted in a number of youth-centered spaces and opportunities popping up across the city, including 120 calm corners in elementary classrooms to support students’ sensory functions, new physical education equipment for all Woonsocket elementary schools, job fairs, hundreds of donated books, and field trips to local colleges & universities, among others.

    Kaba, who is now a rising sophomore at Northeastern University, describes the experience of winning the scholarship as surreal.

    “It didn’t occur to me that I was the last person standing and I won $1 million,” Kaba said. “But when I won, the first thing I thought was, ‘OK, let’s get to work. I’m given this opportunity to help improve my community. What steps can I take? And when does the groundwork start happening?’”

    When a teen leads, adults follow

    Bringing Kaba’s vision to life meant working alongside adults with experience in project management and community engagement while keeping up with her student life at Woonsocket High School.

    “In high school, I managed both classwork and extracurriculars like student council, being a peer mentor and participating in Future Business Leaders of America,” Kaba said. “Balancing those things with my work with the scholarship came easy to me.”

    Kaba partnered with community organizations across the state like nonprofit Leadership Rhode Island. This collaboration helped lay out a roadmap for Kaba’s proposal, manage the scholarship funds and coordinate meetings with community leaders. 

    The winning student also sits on the board of the Papitto Opportunity Connection Foundation for a year. This provides an opportunity for them to build their network and connect with leaders in Rhode Island. 

    High schoolers can make a difference through spaces and support like this, Kaba said, and also advises teens interested in engaging with their community to “not be afraid to start off small.”

    This “small” gesture, Kaba added, can be as simple as gathering a group of friends to organize a community cleanup or starting a school club or Instagram to advocate for something they’re passionate about.

    “Starting off small is going to give you those steps to leading these big impactful projects,” Kaba said.

    The feedback Kaba received on her community investments, primarily from peers, community members and teachers in Woonsocket, was overwhelmingly positive.

    “People told me, ‘I was able to go to this job fair and I got connected to this job,’ or, ‘I’m going to the Harbour Youth Center to get items from the food pantry you created and it’s been helping my family a lot,’” Kaba said. “Community organizations reached out to me to let me know they would love to find a way to work together and do their part to take action too.”


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