What do Parents Know?

Amit Singh Kalley talks to Dr Tamasine Preece, educator and researcher, about social media and the role it plays in sexual identity. We talk about how social media can be used as a good tool for sexual identity exploration, but also how homophobic bullying has increased because of social media. We also discuss the all important issue of consent and when young people should know if consent to sexual activity has or has not been given and we explore how social media has affected the way young people see their own bodies. 

Amit Singh Kalley talks to Lauren Seager-Smith, CEO of Kidscape, about bullying and cyberbullying. We discuss how bullying and cyberbullying have, sadly, increased in recent years and the way in which young people are impacted. Lauren provides advice for parents who have teenagers that are being bullied and teenagers that are also doing the bullying. We also discuss the way in which social media and online gaming have increased the amount of cyberbullying and how to deal with it.  

Amit Singh Kalley talks to Patrick Foster, a former cricketer who was living with a thirteen year gambling addiction. Patrick discusses his own addiction, including the terrible things he did which led to a suicide attempt. He provides advice and guidance for parents who are worried about their teenage children having a gambling problem and he also discusses the signs to look out for that might suggest a problem. 

Amit Singh Kalley talks to Jonny Benjamin MBE and Zac Newman about teenage mental health. Jonny shares his own journey with mental health struggles, including the events that led to a suicide attempt. We talk about how teenagers can take care of their mental health and what parents can do to support them.