Teen-led pod offers compassion & advice on relatable issues.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Violence & Scariness
a little
Some brief, non-graphic descriptions of violence when discussed topics of war and inequality. Descriptions or mentions of violence are only mentioned when relevant to a particular topic or issue so that the hosts can explain ways to support the victims of a given issue. Some references to eating disorders and other mental health issues that could be triggering to some teens. Episode descriptions include trigger warnings to help listeners know if a particular episode may be difficult to listen to for them.
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.
Episodes emphasize healthy communication strategies, compassion towards self and others through self care and understanding, and perseverance in the face of difficulties and adversities teenagers experience. Episodes focus on specific topics that teenagers experience and/or struggle with, such as making and keeping healthy friendships, and provide listeners with stories from other teenagers who've faced these same struggles and how they've overcome through communication and compassion.
Diverse Representations
a lot
The mic is given to several different teens throughout each episode to ensure many diverse, unique experiences are highlighted and each teen is given a chance to share their perspective. Diversity and inclusion of others is a high priority in this podcast, as not only do episodes include diverse perspectives on each topic, but some episodes focus on issues pertaining to diversity specifically. For example, there have been episodes on Ukraine and how to support Ukrainians through art, what it's like to be an LGBTQIA+ teen, and the history of Juneteenth.
Episodes detail unique perspectives, issues, and stories from, about, and for teenagers - teaching them how to navigate their everyday lives and better understand their experiences. From the perspective of many different teenagers, episodes cover topics such as overcoming bullying, handling overthinking and negative thoughts, and navigating new, old, and ending friendships. On their website, they offer educational resources that show how episodes can be integrated into classroom discussions and activities, as well as specific activity guides that go along with each episode, meant to educate listeners on how to apply these lessons in their everyday lives. Activity guides include journaling prompts, storytelling guides, and games like Pictionary.
Positive Role Models
a lot
Episodes feature real teenagers and their unique, personal experiences with growing up. As a result, the speakers within each episode are looking for role models themselves. They also provide excellent leadership for other teens to learn from. The teens featured promote honesty and being open about emotions by discussing difficult topics that others can relate to and learn from - making them young role models in the making. The host, who introduces each episode, also provides a positive role model for listeners, as she's excited and open to talk about diverse topics, while also emphasizing topics that promote the well-being of others.
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that This Teenage Life is a podcast for teens hosted by teens and guided by adult educator Molly Josephs, centering teens' experiences, struggles and triumphs in their daily lives. Episodes focus on teaching teenagers that their feelings are valid and that they're not alone, while also showing them how to manage, deal with, and overcome their feelings. Listeners learn about the norms of intrusive thoughts, how to create healthy sibling dynamics, identifying and handling feelings of anxiety, better communication with their parents, and what it's like to be a teenager for various cultures and identities. Episodes are entertaining and educational for adults and kids as the spark important and sometimes difficult conversations in an approachable way. Some episodes discuss topics that could be triggering or too heavy for some listeners, such as suicide or eating disorders, so parents should check episode descriptions if they are concerned about a certain topic being discussed. Episode descriptions provide trigger warnings when applicable. When discussing mental health related topics, the show is clear on its message that it's not a substitution for a mental health professional and that listeners should reach out to a trusted adult if they need to seek help.
Promoting communication skills, compassion, and perseverance, THIS TEENAGE LIFE helps teens learn how to process their feelings, thoughts, and experiences while also encouraging them to build connections with others through these shared experiences. The show started as a project created by educator Molly Josephs and her teenage students at San Diego based high school, High Tech High and has since continued. Episodes focus on one central topic like being an ally, divorced parents, climate change, grief, going through puberty, and even why Taylor Swift's music is able to connect with and to so many teens. Episodes are in the format of a roundtable discussion or interviews between several teenagers who share their own personal experiences and thoughts on a subject. Diversity and inclusion is central to each and every story in any given episode and the show is intentional about including a wide-range of cultural perspectives on topics such as mental health, activism, and the highs and lows of high school.
This is an educational and inspiring podcast providing teens with meaningful advice and reassurance that they aren't alone on their complicated adolescent journey. This Teenage Life tells entertaining yet motivational stories that serve as a model for how to live and navigate healthier lives, relationships, and experiences. The focus on diversity enriches each episode, providing each topic with unique twists and turns and a wide range of perspectives. Adult moderator and educator, Molly Josephs, encourages listeners to send in their own stories, questions, or experiences that they believe other teens should hear about or learn, making this podcast inclusive and engaging for its listeners. The educational resources provided on the podcast's website make learning these communication skills and helpful social-emotional tools accessible for teens from all ages and backgrounds, while also helping the adults in their lives navigate difficult topics and discussions.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the emphasis placed on self-care and mental health in many of the episodes of This Teenage Life. What are some ways we can prioritize our mental health and engage in self-care as a family? Can you come up with a list of self-care practices you enjoy?
Many episodes discuss resilience and overcoming adversities through perseverance, what are some adversities in your life you've overcome? What have these challenges taught you?
Episodes focus in on the importance of communication and compassion as it relates to maintaining healthy relationships. What are some new communication and compassion techniques you've learned from the podcast? How might you incorporate these at home, school, or with your friends?
The show makes it clear that it's not a substitution for a mental health professional and if you feel you need help you should talk to a trusted adult. Do you have a trusted adult in your life? Who is that person and do you feel like you can talk to them about anything?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
suggesting a diversity update.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
By CrystalStone
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
