03/28/2025
As a psychotherapist working with teens—and as a parent myself—Adolescence hit me hard. Some of the painfully raw moments between the teenager, his parents, and his sister brought up a cascading mix of emotions—empathy, sorrow, and a deep understanding of the complexity of what led this teenager to this point. The intersection of generational trauma, isolation, and the overuse of technology creates a perfect storm, shaping a teen’s experience in ways that can be both overwhelming and destructive. Watching this unfold on screen, I was struck by how these factors compounded the struggles of not only the teen but also his family. There were well-intentioned parents trying their best, but without proper support or education around parenting and emotions, their efforts fell short in helping the teen navigate these turbulent times.
These moments were tough to sit with—not just because of the heartbreak they carried, but because they highlighted the difficult realities many families face today. As parents and caregivers, we have a responsibility to help break these cycles and support teens as they navigate this challenging digital age.
How are you balancing technology and connection in your family?
The Netflix series "Adolescence" follows a young man accused of murder and examines the effects of technology, generational trauma, and parental influence on adolescent behavior.
