Teenage years witness your child feeling slightly pressured to conform to their friends’ interests.

It becomes a crucial time to help them navigate complex topics, such as relationships, boundaries, and equality.

Right from cyberbullying and anonymous confession groups to teasing classmates for pubescent bodily changes, parents find this time challenging.

But here are some expert-approved strategies that can help you broach these topics with your teen.

1. Simplify concepts of sexism Analyse movies and cartoons to call out sexist behaviours and language while teaching your teen that inclusivity is a norm.

Reject gender-based roles Replace phrases like ‘that’s women’s work’ with ‘everyone should contribute equally’; and ‘boys are natural leaders’ with ‘anyone can be a good leader with the right skills’.

Guide adolescents to identify how misogyny manifests online Encourage scepticism among adolescents while analysing online content. Help them recognise positive influences online while also teaching your teen to report misogynistic content.

Encourage healthy breaks from social media Educate adolescents about online communities, resources, and channels that promote gender-inclusive behaviours.

Address relationships A strong foundation in sex education is key to helping adolescents adopt gender-correct behaviours.

Instill respect for consent Consent is not a one-time discussion but rather a multi-faceted one. Consent at the start doesn’t mean all actions that follow are automatically okay. Consent can be revoked at any time.

The internet has become a ground for toxic masculinity; promoting healthier online attitudes among adolescents is crucial. In light of this, films and video games need to stop glorifying toxic masculinity and ideal body images.

In our guidebook, ‘Raising Boys Right’, we explore expert-backed strategies that can assist parents and teachers in helping young boys understand these nuances.