Lockdown has been tough on everyone.

However, some of the narrative surrounding the effects of continuous lockdown has forgotten a group of individuals that may seem more resilient and able to cope easier with the situation.

This group is teenagers. It's a difficult enough period in life without the stress of a pandemic! Many have become increasingly anxious and parenting during the lockdown has become more difficult.

According to Aileen Hickey, CEO of Parentline this is reflected in the number of people seeking advice.

Over four thousand parents contacted Parentline in 2020 which was a 40% increase on the numbers of calls made in 2019. The vast majority of those calls were in relation to teenagers. A lot of normal teenage stresses and anxieties are really being exacerbated by the lockdown.

A few weeks ago Weekend Breakfast put it out there if people wanted us to cover more parenting issues on the show and it was an overwhelming "yes!" and in particular teens.

This morning Alison Curtis spoke to CEO of Parentline Aileen Hickey and Family and Child Psychotherapist Dr John Sharry:

[audio mp3="https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2021/03/07130030/WB-TEEN-TALK-AILEEN-HICKEY-JOHN-SHARRY.mp3"][/audio]

 

RESOURCES

There is a wonderful resource for all parents. There is a tons of practical advice and news about online courses.

Please visit parentline.ie