There’s been much ado about teens and social media in the last few years. This year’s Bark Social Media Report confirms many parents’ worst fears. So what can we do to keep teenagers safe and help them navigate online dangers like predators, dangerous health advice, sexual content, and violence, among others?
Then, do you or your teen feel connected to the characters of your favorite show or a particular celebrity? Chris and Karlie discuss the pluses and minuses of parasocial relationships.
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In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:
- Bark: Bark’s Annual Report: 2022 Research on Kids and Teens
- Resources for parents and families: Podcast Episode Page
- Teen Life Podcast: Curiosity | The Sex Talk | Overeating Disorders | Eating Disorders | School Shootings | Drug Slang | Marijuana | Fentanyl | Alcohol | Vaping | Kik
- VeryWellMind: What Is a Parasocial Relationship?
- Bark
- Lubbock Christian University: Youth Ministry Degree
- LCU Contact: David Fraze
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Visit our website: www.teenlifepodcast.com
Subscribe to get the episodes in your inbox: www.teenlife.ngo/subscribe
Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
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Podcast Music by: Luke Cabrera & Tobin Hodges
Hosted by: Chris Robey & Karlie Duke
Produced by: Karlie Duke & Kelly Fann

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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/teenlifepodcast/support

Episode 92: Social Media Report & Parasocial Relationships

A weekly podcast where we research teen culture so you can focus on connection with the teenagers in your life. Join Karlie Duke, Tobin Hodges, and Caleb Hatchett for fun conversations, trends, and tips for how to best connect with teenagers. This podcast is perfect for parents, teachers, counselors, church or school staff. Subscribe and join us today! Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/teenlifepodcast/support

Kids & Family

Parenting

Everyone’s spiritual journey is unique.
Teens are constantly navigating a world full of changes, challenges, and opportunities. Taking ownership of their faith is a rewarding way to maintain inner peace and find meaning in the chaos.
It isn’t about following a set of rigid rules or mimicking what others do; it’s about finding their unique connection with God and nurturing that relationship in a way that resonates with them.
Listen for ideas for exploring various spiritual disciplines and discovering how to best connect with God. 


Also in this episode:
- Fake social media accounts used to bully people.
- What are satire accounts and how can you identify them?
- Shop the Teen Life Merch Store until May 24.
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In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:
- Facebook: Fake Accounts
- Teen Life Podcast: Social Media Etiquette | Intentional Rest
- The Message Version
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Visit our website: www.teenlifepodcast.com
Subscribe to get the episodes in your inbox: www.teenlife.ngo/subscribe
Watch the podcast on ⁠YouTube⁠!
Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
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Podcast Music by: Luke Cabrera & Tobin Hodges
Hosted by: Karlie Duke, Caleb Hatchett & Tobin Hodges
Produced by: Karlie Duke & Kelly Fann

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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/teenlifepodcast/support

Fake Social Media + Spiritual Disciplines | Ep. 160

How to Support Teens with Learning Differences
Learning differences, also known as learning disorders or disabilities, can make academic settings particularly challenging for kids and parents.
Understanding these disorders, recognizing their signs, and knowing how to support teenagers with them are crucial steps toward ensuring their success in school and in life.

 Also in this episode:

 Graduation gifts they'll really use.
 Shop the Teen Life Merch Store until May 24.

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In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:
- TikTok: Graduation Gift Idea
- CDC: Learning Disorders in Children
- Nemours: Understanding Dyslexia | IEPs
- Psychiatry.org: Specific Learning Disorders
- ADA: Testing Accommodations
- Teen Life Podcast: Graduation Gifts |  Graduation  |  ADHD  |  Test Anxiety
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Visit our website: www.teenlifepodcast.com
Subscribe to get the episodes in your inbox: www.teenlife.ngo/subscribe
Watch the podcast on ⁠YouTube⁠!
Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
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Podcast Music by: Luke Cabrera & Tobin Hodges
Hosted by: Karlie Duke, Caleb Hatchett & Tobin Hodges
Produced by: Karlie Duke & Kelly Fann

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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/teenlifepodcast/support

Graduation Gift Ideas + Learning Differences | 159

How can adults connect with teens during their senior year when everyone has senioritis?
Senioritis is widely regarded as a right of passage for teenagers.
It’s a time when they may push boundaries more, assert their independence, and navigate the delicate balance between adolescence and adulthood.
The potential to drive parents and caring adults crazy is off the charts.
But it’s also a unique opportunity to lean into that natural urge toward freedom and choose to prioritize connection.
So, how can parents and teachers connect with graduating seniors?


Also in this episode...

 Have you taken the Kaizen Challenge?
 What you should know about bra strap bracelets.
 Mental Health Awareness Month - Get our cheat sheet on what to say when things aren't "fine".
 Shop the Teen Life Merch Store until May 24.

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In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:
- Teen Life Merch Store
- Kaizen Explanation: Kaizen Challenge l Kaizen Tik Tok
- MHA: Mental Health Awareness Month
- Teen Life Coloring Pages
- Mayo Clinic: Mental Health Benefits of Coloring
- Teen Life Podcast: Turning 18  |  Graduation  |  Mental Health Update  |  Mental Health Terms  |  Mental Health Awareness  |  Talking About Mental Health
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Visit our website: www.teenlifepodcast.com
Subscribe to get the episodes in your inbox: www.teenlife.ngo/subscribe
Watch the podcast on ⁠YouTube⁠!
Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
.
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Podcast Music by: Luke Cabrera & Tobin Hodges
Hosted by: Karlie Duke, Caleb Hatchett & Tobin Hodges
Produced by: Karlie Duke & Kelly Fann

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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/teenlifepodcast/support

Senioritis + Mental Health Awareness Month | 158

What is toxic achievement culture and how can we help?
Can achievement really be toxic?
Jennifer Breheny Wallace says that achievement turns toxic when it becomes the sole determinant of one’s value and identity. In many middle and high schools (and even elementary schools), the pressure of achievement culture has reached alarming levels, leaving a trail of behavioral and mental health challenges in its wake.
Listen for ways to relieve the pressure. 


Also in this episode:
~ The rising use of caffeine pouches.
~ Caleb's take on the Apple Vision Pro.
~ One strategy on winning college scholarships adds up.
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In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:
- Apple: Vision Pro
- Instagram: Micro Scholarships Reel
- Washington Post: Teens are crumbling under extreme pressure. Parents need to change.
- Amazon: Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic-and What We Can Do About It
- The Harvard Gazette: How achievement pressure is crushing kids and what to do about it
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Visit our website: www.teenlifepodcast.com
Subscribe to get the episodes in your inbox: www.teenlife.ngo/subscribe
Watch the podcast on ⁠YouTube⁠!
Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
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Podcast Music by: Luke Cabrera & Tobin Hodges
Hosted by: Karlie Duke, Caleb Hatchett & Tobin Hodges
Produced by: Karlie Duke & Kelly Fann

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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/teenlifepodcast/support

Toxic Achievement Culture + Micro Scholarships | Ep. 157

Creating a welcoming environment sets the tone.
In episode 156 of the Teen Life Podcast, we explore the significance of fostering a welcoming environment not just at the door, but throughout our Teen Life groups or church small groups.
In our journey to create spaces where teens feel valued and supported, every detail matters.
Let’s delve into some actionable tips that can make a difference in shaping the atmosphere of our gatherings. 


Also in this episode:
~ What’s the deal with food dyes and do they cause behavioral issues?
~ Why are teens using the Chinese app, Little Red Book, to ask people abroad for style, health, and dating advice?
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In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:
- Wikipedia: Little Red Book
- YouTube: The Most Inspiring Man in China
- Healthline: Food Dyes: Harmless or Harmful?
- Edutopia: Welcoming Students with a Smile
- Conscious Discipline: Methodology & Brain State Model
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Visit our website: www.teenlifepodcast.com
Subscribe to get the episodes in your inbox: www.teenlife.ngo/subscribe
Watch the podcast on ⁠YouTube⁠!
Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
.
.
Podcast Music by: Luke Cabrera & Tobin Hodges
Hosted by: Karlie Duke, Caleb Hatchett & Tobin Hodges
Produced by: Karlie Duke & Kelly Fann

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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/teenlifepodcast/support

Episode 92: Social Media Report & Parasocial Relationships

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