Real Talk with Teens Program
Real Talk with Teens is a powerful program that gives teens a rare chance to feel heard.
What is involved in the Real Talk with Teens program?
Real Talk with Teens is a two-part program designed to improve communication between teenagers and their parents. It includes a confidential student workshop followed by a separate parent information session.
The program provides teens with a safe space to speak honestly about what it is like to be a young person today, and what helps them feel supported at home. Parents are then given clear (anonymous) insight into the themes raised and practical tools to strengthen communication.
This is a preventative wellbeing program for schools and community settings.
Why this program matters
Teens today are navigating a lot, and many don’t have opportunities to speak openly about their experiences. They’re navigating: social media and online pressures, friendship dynamics, academic stress and expectations at home.
What young people often lack is a safe space to reflect and process what they’re feeling. And they need adults who can listen without immediately correcting, advising, or reacting.
When teens feel heard, communication improves. When parents understand what is underneath the behaviour, conflict reduces.
Why schools choose this program
Schools choose this program as part of a proactive wellbeing approach. It supports student voice, strengthens family communication, and complements existing wellbeing frameworks.
As schools face increasing pressure to support student mental health, Real Talk with Teens provides practical support without adding to teacher workload.
- Gives students a safe space to reflect. Supports emotional resilience.
- Helps parents understand what teens are experiencing.
- Reduces communication breakdown at home.
- Aligns with a whole-child approach to wellbeing.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Student Workshop
Delivered in-class with two trained facilitators. Confidential. 60 minutes. The session provides:
- guided reflection on what it feels like to be a teenager today.
- anonymous opportunities to share experiences.
- discussion about what support from adults looks like.
- practical tools for emotional awareness and communication.
Students are never required to disclose personal information. The structure allows for privacy and psychological safety.
Schools select the cohort. The program can be delivered across various year levels.
Parent Information Session
Following the student workshop, parents are invited to attend a dedicated session (online or in-person). The session:
- shares anonymised themes from the student workshop.
- provides context for what students at the school are experiencing.
- offers practical communication strategies parents can use at home.
The focus is not on blaming parents or teens. It is on understanding and improving the connection.
Schools select the cohort. The program can be delivered across.
What Your School or Community group receives
- 60-minute student workshop (two facilitators).
- Separate parent information follow-up session.
- Tailored PDF summary of anonymised student themes.
- Practical communication strategies for families.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How does this program benefit students?
Our program provides a safe and open platform for teens to express their thoughts and concerns about parenting. By understanding their perspectives we can then help parents be better at parenting their teen. This is not a counselling session but rather an opportunity for teens to have a voice.
What topics will be covered during the teen workshop?
The teen workshop addresses common concerns of teens their age and experience. We explore their perspective on parenting, relationships, and what support they need from parents/carers.
The discussion is kept broad, and no specific or identifiable information is shared.
We encourage that following the workshop students can reach out to school counsellors if required and desired.
How is the confidentiality of the teens maintained?
We prioritise the confidentiality of the teens, ensuring their voices are heard without compromising their privacy.
Confidentiality is of utmost importance. We create a safe space where teens can express themselves openly. No identifying information is shared, ensuring their privacy is protected. We understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality during sensitive discussions. Our program is designed to protect the privacy of each teen, with no identifying information shared during the parent workshop.
What happens in the Student Workshop?
The student workshop explores the common concerns of adolescents, including their perspectives on being parented, relationships, and the support they need.
It is an open discussion. We have found the less formal structure, the more likely students are to open up.
No identifying information is shared.
Students in previous workshops have found it empowering to have a voice in the topic of parenting, especially in the early stages of being a teen. And to know that this is being shared with parents in a safe, anonymous matter.
How long is the Parent Workshop?
This is a 1 hour session, held soon after the student workshop.
How is confidentiality maintained when discussing teen perspectives with parents?
We prioritise confidentiality, sharing only anonymised insights to ensure the privacy and trust of both teens and parents.
Parents gain valuable understanding without compromising the identity of any specific student.
Are there any follow-up resources?
We provide resources to the parents and carers following the session as well as continued communication and support, if desired.
We also direct parents and carers to the schools’ wellbeing resources, where appropriate.