Written by the CultivaTeen Roots Team

5-minute read

Being a teen and raising one has never been more complex. With the rapid evolution of social media, technology, and the lingering effects of the pandemic in a constantly shifting world, we're all learning how to navigate this new terrain together. As a parent, you can guide your teen in becoming an engaged and informed citizen, helping them better understand the world around them and take action to create the change they want to see.

 Below you will find several strategies you can use to help nurture your child’s interest and awareness around current events and important issues, fostering thoughtful civic participation.

1. Nurture Curiosity

Creating space for teens to ask questions about what is going on in the world allows them to explore a wide range of perspectives and ideas. Whether you are in the car driving to sports practice, picking up a sibling, sharing a snack after school, or watching the news, any length of conversation can provide your teen an opportunity to share or discuss topics on their mind. Our foundational course, Making AdoleSense, dives deeper into how to connect and communicate with your teen. 

Parents can…

• Remove judgment by asking open-ended questions. Ask, “Why do you think that?” or “What do you think should happen in this situation?”
• Share age-appropriate news articles, videos, or podcasts that align with your teen’s interests, but offer a range of viewpoints
• Encourage them to speak up in class discussions about issues they care about, and be open to hearing other people’s ideas and experiences 

2. Create Connection

Teens are more likely to engage with topics that are of interest to them or relevant to their lives. When they see a direct link between a social issue or current event and their personal experiences, they become more motivated to explore, discuss, and take action. As a parent, you can support this involvement by encouraging them to seek out information on subjects they feel strongly about, helping them identify their values and beliefs in a purposeful way.

Parents can…

• Connect an interest in technology with news about artificial intelligence ethics, privacy laws, and digital citizenship.
• Connect an interest in the environment with discussions about climate policies, an exploration into local recycling initiatives, or participation in school clubs and local environmental activist organizations.
• Connect an interest in sports with issues like gender equality in athletics or fair pay for players.

When teens can see the value of these connections, current event issues become personal and meaningful.

3. Cultivate Open-Mindedness 

Teens are watching your every move, constantly learning about how to exist in the world through the ways you interact with others. Modeling open-mindedness and demonstrating active listening shows your teen the importance of respecting different perspectives. While it is ok to disagree and even engage in a lively debate, you want your teen to always lead with kindness and be open to expanding their point of view.

Parents can…

• Instead of dismissing a viewpoint, say, “I hadn’t thought about it that way. Let’s learn more about this and Google it.”
• Highlight the importance of checking credible sources and avoiding misinformation.
• Listen to diverse perspectives by researching multiple sources and asking critical questions.

4. Encourage Responsible Digital Citizenship

In today’s digital age, teens encounter information overload. Because our teens are hooked on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), information can be consumed at a rapid rate, making it easy for news to be spread before it can be verified. Media literacy skills can help teens differentiate between trustworthy sources and misleading content. As caregivers, we can help our teens develop critical thinking skills around assessing information to reduce the spread of false and inaccurate information. 

Parents can…

• Expose their teen to a range of information and perspectives on a singular topic. 
• Discuss how to verify for authentic sources- sites that end with .org., .edu., and .gov are often reliable.
• Talk with their teen about how algorithms can control the content that appears in their feed.
• Show their teen how to identify bias in news sources.
• Encourage their teen to cross-check facts using reputable outlets.

These tools will help your teen become more responsible and independent while navigating information on the internet, news outlets, and social media.

 5. Discuss the Importance of Advocacy

Parents play a vital role in ensuring their teens understand the importance of advocacy and civic engagement. By encouraging discussion about social issues and responsibilities and modeling community involvement, parents can empower their teens to get involved in causes they care about. These experiences can help teens define their values, stay engaged in current events, and understand their potential to create change.

Parents can…

• Help their teen write letters to local elected officials, school board members, or school administrators about issues they are passionate about. 
• Participate with their teen in local, peaceful protests, marches, or demonstrations.
• Encourage their teen to join student-led organizations or school clubs.

6. CultivaTeen New Perspectives

Teenagers are in a unique phase of life as they transition from a child into an adult. During this stage, teens are exposed to new ideas, experiences, and social issues. Their beliefs and opinions are likely evolving as they form their own identity outside of their family unit. As teens learn and grow, their opinions and thoughts may shift, and that's totally normal! Here are some conversation starters that can help you teach your teen empathy and respect while strengthening their ability to develop critical thinking skills. 

Parents can

• Say, “It’s great that you’re rethinking this. What shifted  your change in perspective?”
• Share, “Your ability to see things from a new angle shows real growth.”
• Ask, "How do you think someone with a different cultural background or life experience might view this issue?"

Final Takeaways

Teens are in a stage of development that is full of transformation and self-discovery, making it an ideal moment in your parenting journey to support their development of critical thinking skills, open-mindedness, and engagement. Using the strategies we’ve shared can help you and your teen build awareness and community engagement together.