It can be hard for caring adults to know how to support teens or talk about complex issues like conflict and injustice. It isn’t easy, especially when most adults feel uncertain or emotional about the same topics. But a steady, caring presence can go a long way. Here’s how adults can support teens in processing difficult news and current events.

1. Create a Safe Space

Start by establishing a safe environment where the teen feels comfortable expressing their thoughts and emotions. This means creating a non-judgmental space where emotions are welcomed—not shut down. Teens are more likely to open up if they know they won’t be criticized, dismissed or judged for how they feel.

Simply asking, “How are you feeling about everything going on?” or “What have you heard?” can open the door. Just being there, ready to listen, is sometimes all they need.

2. Validate Their Feelings

It’s understandable for teens to feel scared, confused, angry, or numb when processing heavy news. Let them know those feelings are valid. Phrases like, “It makes sense you’d feel that way” or “That would be upsetting for anyone” can help them feel seen and understood.

As licensed clinical social worker Laura Fonseca shares, validating a young person’s experience helps them feel secure enough to process what they’re going through—and eventually, develop healthy coping skills and confidence in themselves (Marie, 2022).

3. Share Age-Appropriate Information

Avoid information overload. Ask what they already know and other questions that help them process or evaluate information in a way that’s understandable. Teens need honesty, but they don’t need every detail. Offer facts, not opinions or hearsay, in a way that matches their age and emotional maturity, so they don’t feel alone or confused.

4. Use Active Listening

Sometimes, the most supportive thing is to simply listen. Put down distractions, give your full attention, and resist the urge to interrupt, offer quick solutions or share your opinions. Instead, ask open-ended questions like, “What do you think about that?” or “How does that make you feel?”

Studies show that when teens feel truly listened to, they’re more likely to open up—and more likely to come back to you in the future (Weinstein et al., 2021).

5. Encourage Healthy Coping Strategies

Teens often learn by example. Adults can help by modeling healthy coping strategies. Whether it’s going for a walk, journaling, practicing mindfulness, talking with someone trusted, or unplugging from media for a bit—modeling calm, productive responses to stress gives them tools to try. You can also encourage hobbies, physical activity, or creative expression to regulate their emotions.

6. Offer Hope and Resilience

Share stories of people helping others, communities coming together, or youth making a difference. Focus on the importance of compassion and understanding. You can also encourage teens to get involved in their communities if they feel compelled. Taking action, even in small ways, can restore a sense of control and purpose.

7. Offer Reassurance

Reassurance doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine—it’s reminding teens they are not alone and that there are systems and people working to keep them safe. Keep your tone calm and factual. If you don’t know something, say so—and offer to look into it together.

Reassure them that it’s okay to take breaks from the news, that their mental health matters, and that support is always available.

8. Check In

Processing hard topics takes time. Teens may not share everything in one conversation—or even know what they’re feeling yet. Let them know you’re available for further discussion, even if they don’t feel like talking right away.

Of course, you don’t have to handle everything. You can encourage them to talk with people trained to handle more challenging emotions. If a teen seems especially distressed, don’t hesitate to connect them with support. Resources like The Source Sacramento (for local youth and caregivers) or the National 988 Lifeline offer free, 24/7 support by phone, text, or chat.

And if there’s ever an immediate risk to their safety, seek professional help or call 911.

Wrapping UP

Talking to teens about social issues, war and other complex events can feel daunting, but you don’t have to have all the answers. What matters most is showing up with empathy, curiosity, and patience. By offering a safe space, validating emotions, and encouraging healthy coping, adults can help teens build resilience and navigate a challenging world with confidence. And don’t forget to practice your own self-care!

The format of the event gave the sense of being in the same space together. It began as youth and mentors met in front of computer screens with their blank canvases and paint supplies. After several holiday-inspired ice breakers, Maya from Pinot’s Palette of Elk Grove gave step-by-step instructions on how to paint a charming snowman. Of course, individual style was highly encouraged, which resulted in unique paintings ranging from subtle to significant differences.

A couple of days before the meetUP, Founders and volunteers delivered holiday surprises to every teen in the program. They received festive bags filled with a DIY holiday project of wooden ornaments and paint pens, hot cocoa mix, candy, and everyday useful items of hand sanitizer, soap and holiday flavored lip balm. They also received a humorously commemorative 2020 ornament. Those who registered for the paint party received their paint kits. Finally, thanks to our friends at Ticket to Dream Foundation in partnership with Famous Footwear, many of our teens also received new shoes!

This was a special way to wish our teens a happy holiday season and to maintain our community. During paint strokes and drying time, participants chatted or asked questions as Christmas music played in the background. This sense of belonging is a very important part of our program. We are proud to continue to provide fun ways to engage, celebrate and support our teens—especially during this challenging year.

We know the challenges of social distancing are not unique to us, so we’re sharing 7 tips to help you better connect with the tweens and teens in your life. While smartphones and other digital technologies offer easier ways to connect, not all of these ideas require a device.   

1. Go to the movies – virtually

Mail microwave popcorn and some goodies with an invitation to watch a movie. You can use Netflix Party to watch and chat live through your computer. Or, simply plan to watch the same movie or binge the same show and chat about it after.

2. Have a no-sew t-shirt design challenge

You may want to ask their parent first, but old t-shirts can easily be upcycled into new styles. Now is a great time to look through drawers and closets. To help decide what stays and what goes, you can download the Ultimate Closet Detox Guide by our friend Carly of Tidy Revival and Simplified Wardrobe. But, before you get rid of t-shirts, consider easy alterations that will make you like wearing them again. Invite your young person to also alter t-shirts. There are plenty of tutorials online. We like this video of various crop top and summer-style designs or this video to create a muscle tank. Once your shirts are created, you can text photos or hold a video fashion show to share your designs.

3. Go on a scavenger hunt

With few places to go, a walk around the neighborhood can be a refreshing change of scene. Of course, seeing the same things can get boring. Why not send a list of things to find (metal mailbox, gnome, lemon tree, etc.) or use Shutterfly’s Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt? You and your young person can snap photos of the items to send to one another or just have fun searching for them.

4. Create art with natural elements

Depending on available supplies, like glue, paint, markers, etc., you can help exercise creativity and self-expression by inspiring your young person to make art with elements found outdoors. From painting rocks to drying out flowers and arranging them on paper, canvas or in a frame, there are many possibilities. You might also create an inspirational piece to mail or deliver as a gift. Just remember, these elements should be gathered from parks and public areas (not your neighbor’s yard – unless permission is given).

5. Hold a virtual game night

With free video chat services like Zoom or Google Hangouts, you can play games together, even though you may be miles apart. This article from Elite Daily offers tips on which games to play and how to make it work well.

6. Drop off a care package

You may not be able to hang out, but you can leave a package of fun on their doorstep. Items like puzzles, art supplies, books, movies, treats, funny comics, etc., will be a welcomed surprise.

7. Practice and encourage self-care

The stress and emotional toll of sheltering in place can be draining for people of all ages. You can brighten your young person’s mood with texts or calls of funny jokes, memories or questions like “what is one thing you’re excited about today?” it’s important to make mental well-being a focus by setting aside personal time, prioritizing healthy choices, practicing self-compassion, and enjoying activities. Calm offers free meditations, calming music and other resources to support emotional wellness.

Social distancing doesn’t mean disconnecting. We hope these tips help you connect with the special young people in your life.