Talking Teenagers: Communication

Today: communication works both ways

All this week Breakfast has been Talking Teenagers, exploring the issues that affect young people growing up in the 21st Century.

We've be looking at some of the problems facing young people and their parents.

Today is the last part of our series.

As part of our coverage, we've put together an extensive list of organisations which might be able to help.

This includes web addresses, phone numbers and a brief outline of what each organisation does, where appropriate.

There are also links for the features we're showing in conjunction with the BBC's Video Nation unit.

To go straight to that page click on the link below.

Click here for help advice and information

Today the issue was talking and listening. It's very important for parents to talk to teenage children, but it's equally important for the parents to take the time to listen.

The Talking Teenagers survey found that 43% of young people said their parents listen to their problems.

61% of teens disagreed with the statement: 'Teens don't care about anyone but themselves.'

On today's programme we featured another Video Nation film which shows how one girl has learned to communicate with her dad by going to Salsa classes. Jessica Bright from Derby talks says this has really helped her relationship.

We also heard from television presenter Maggie Philbin, you can see her interview and the Video Nation film by clicking on the link at the top of the page

There was also an update on the Text Challenge featured earlier this week on the programme.

John and Tom Hyde showed how they coped with the task set for them, they were also live in the studio.

Click on the link above to see that item.

Maggie Philbin has been involved with Talking Teenagers on local radio, and by being a member of the parent panel.

She thinks teens get a bad press which isn't fair. She had very loving but strict parents, so inevitably she says she's been more liberal with Rose her own 15 year old daughter.

Rose apparently doesn't see it that way and insists her friends get a better deal!

Maggie and Rose use a friend to mediate if they've had a row - but the bad times probably only account for about 15%.

Maggie's Tips for Parents

Be sure to give your teens time to tell you about their day.

Ask for photos of their friends bedrooms - so you feel better about the nightmare they create in their own!

Do everything you can to build up their confidence and self-esteem - even if this means giving them more freedom.

Her Tips for Teenagers

Be specific if you're upset about something, parents can be slow to catch on.

Be prepared to earn trust and respect by sticking to current rules and curfews.

Parents can be just as moody as teens, but a cup of tea usually works wonders!

What are your views on communicating with teenagers? e-mail us now