PARENT POWER:
Guidelines for parents of middle school youth

This was the second Planet Youth survey, and it brought some encouraging news about family life and how teenagers relate to their parents. A remarkable amount of teens said they find it
easy to receive care and warmth from their parents and that they spend a lot of time together.

The Planet Youth survey showed that more than half of our young people aren’t getting enough sleep—and that’s a big deal. Sleep is essential for teens because their bodies and brains are growing and changing fast.

While sports are great, not every teen is into them—and that’s okay! Hobbies like music, art, or volunteering help build confidence, social skills, and emotional strength.

The latest Planet Youth survey showed that many of our young people are spending 3 or more hours a day on social media. That’s a
lot! Research tells us that too much screen time—especially for girls —can lead to increased symptoms of anxiety and depression.

When teens get enough good-quality sleep, they’re more likely to:
Wake up feeling refreshed
Stay positive throughout the day
Handle stress better
Have fewer mood swings

The teen years are a time of major growth, and the brain is still developing—making it more sensitive to alcohol and drugs. What teens experience now can shape their future health and habits.