logo
episode-header-image
Yesterday
26m 9s

Mean Girls, Social Media and Building Re...

MARK GREGSTON
About this episode

In this episode, Heartlight counselor Courtney Lafleur joins Mark and Wayne to tackle the issue of "mean girl" culture and the impact of social media on teenage girls. They discuss how bullying, exclusion, gossip and unrealistic online standards can deeply affect a teen's mental health and self-worth. The episode features a candid interview with a teen who opens up about her personal struggles with substance abuse, coping with pain and how Heartlight provided the supportive environment she needed to turn her life around. Be sure to tune in!

Another issue many girls face online is overexposure to seductive lifestyles. Learn four ways parents can address immodesty with their teen at parentingtodaysteens.org/articles/modesty-and-my-daughter-2

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit parentingtodayteens.org. 



Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Up next
Today
I Mustache Mark a Question: Balancing Boundaries and Building Trust
In this episode, Mark tackles some more tough questions parents are asking about raising teens in today's rapidly changing world. From navigating conversations about sexuality and social media's impact on relationships, to setting boundaries around concerts, vaping and modesty, M ... Show More
32m 51s
Mar 11
Helping Teens Process Pain and Heal
In this episode, Mark shares a personal devotional about the impact of loss on teens and families. Drawing from personal stories and experiences at Heartlight, Mark explains how loss shapes behavior and emotional responses in both kids and parents. He highlights the importance of ... Show More
16m 55s
Mar 10
Teen Stories: What's Left Unsaid
Even the most loving families can struggle to truly hear one another. In today’s episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens who share their experiences with communication breakdowns at home. For Tucker, clashing with his mom over identity and expectations made it feel impo ... Show More
21m 2s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2025
Big Kids, Bigger Feelings: Navigating Defiance, Meltdowns, and Anxiety to Raise Confident, Connected Kids
Big kids mean big feelings and sometimes that shows up as defiance, meltdowns, or even anxiety. In this episode, I’m breaking down what’s really going on beneath the surface and why it’s not just “bad behavior.” We often think school-aged is cruising with emotions but big feeling ... Show More
51m 48s
May 2024
250: Mental Health and Teen Girls
New research on teen girls and mental health shows that teen girls are struggling more than we even thought. This week on the podcast I talk about why teens are facing more struggles than ever, and how teen girls can still remain happy, even with the odds they have against them. ... Show More
14m 4s
Jan 2020
Pourquoi les adolescents sont-ils mous ?
Loin de moi l'idée de vouloir faire une généralité ! Certains adolescents sont bien plus actifs que des adultes. C'est certain. Mais il est vrai aussi qu'on peut, sans je l'espère ne vexer personne souligner qu'une partie des adolescents a une certaine tendance à la mollesse,diso ... Show More
2m 16s
Jun 2025
Ep 340: Why Teens Need You to Listen Differently
Christine Miles, author of What Is It Costing You Not to Listen?, teaches us how transformational listening can deepen connections with teenagers by hearing what's unsaid, asking the right questions, and creating life-changing conversations.Full Show NotesWe all think of ourselve ... Show More
19m 50s
Mar 2025
Promoting Positive Body Image in Girls with Drs Lindsay and Lexie Kite, Episode #124
Today's episode is a sneak peak from our upcoming summit. We speak with Drs. Lindsay and Lexie Kite, authors of More Than a Body, about how parents can help their children develop a healthy body image in a world that often prioritizes appearance over well-being. We explore the co ... Show More
1 h
Oct 2025
240: Talk to Your Boys: Raising Confident, Caring Young Men
Many boys are struggling, and parents are often left wondering how to reach them. If your tween or teen son seems distant, gives one-word answers, or is spending too much time online, you’re not alone. In this episode of “Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens,” psych ... Show More
41m 27s
Jun 2022
S04 EP37: There's been a lot of chat about death...
S04 EP37: There's been a lot of chat about death...More (mis) adventures in parenting and beyond from Rob and Josh...Enjoy. Rate and Review. Thanks Rob + JoshBIG NEWS.... we're writing a book! ⭐ All the stories we can’t tell on the podcast – in depth.⭐ What it’s like to raise a s ... Show More
54m 39s
Oct 2023
Resilient Teenagers: Breaking The Fear of Failure || Ep. 25
<p>“How do we teach this to our teens?” This week’s episode of The Second of Strength Podcast dives into the fear of failure. A few weeks ago I posted an Instagram video that said that one of the things teenagers are struggling with is the “Fear of Failure”.  One of the comments ... Show More
21m 31s