Teen psychologist Lisa Damour believes that teenagers are coping well overall

In the latest segment of the TED Radio Hour series, "Are the kids alright?", psychologist and adolescent mental health expert Lisa Damour discusses the challenges facing today's teenagers and offers guidance for adults on how to support them.

The segment, produced by Harsha Nahata and Fio Geiran, was recorded in Washington, D.C., where teenagers were asked about their stressors. Among the issues they mentioned were homework, climate change, social media, and fitting in.

Damour notes that in the last decade, teenagers' lives have undergone significant changes, including the rise of algorithm-driven social media, the global pandemic, high achievement pressure, and new norms around gender, bodies, and identity.

One of Damour's key pieces of advice is for adults to guide teenagers to understand the difference between worrying mental health issues and normal emotions. She advises against being hostile about mindless distraction on social media and instead recommends discussing social media with teenagers and setting boundaries to ensure safety and health.

When asked about coping mechanisms, the teenagers discussed activities like biking, coding, and limiting social media use. Damour encourages teenagers to organise themselves around taking care of others as a way to reduce suffering.

Despite the pressures facing teenagers, Damour believes they are as curious, smart, and resilient as ever. She stresses the importance of talking to teenagers with respect and genuine interest, and of describing them positively, as they live up to expectations.

Online content often uses diagnostic terminology like 'ADHD,' 'trauma,' and 'neurodivergence' loosely, and Damour advises adults to be curious when their children self-diagnose or seek terms that fit their experiences.

Teenagers are asking existential questions about climate change, and Damour suggests empowering them to make choices that give them some control or make a small difference. To support teenagers through difficult challenges, she recommends talking to them with respect and genuine interest.

The segment was edited by Sanaz Meshkinpour, Rachel Faulkner White, and Manoush Zomorodi, and written by Harsha Nahata. To follow the digital story, you can find it on Facebook @TEDRadioHour or sign up for emails at TEDRadioHour@our website.