Inside: Here are 20 of the Best Ted Talks For Teens to Help Your Kids Learn To Adult
Have you ever heard of Ted Talks?
Most of you probably have, but did you know that there are specific Ted Talks for Teens? Or that many, even if not directly aimed at teenagers, are absolutely perfect for them.
TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks (18 minutes or less). TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment, and Design converged, and today covers almost all topics — from science to business to global issues — in more than 100 languages.
A Ted Talk is a lively and engaging presentation given in an informal manner by guests from all different types of backgrounds They are often a motivational talk that can teach our kids important life lessons and help them to understand themselves and the world around them a little better. They are almost always inspirational and some can even be laugh-out-loud funny. There are doctors, comedians, celebrities, activists, teachers, and sometimes even kids and teens.
How Can Ted Talks Help Your Teen?
Our teens aren’t always willing to listen to us when it comes to important topics.
So, we have to get a little creative with our parenting. They love being on their phones, so why not make sure they are spending some of that time in a positive way.
Don’t worry, all you have to do is get them to watch one and you’ll be shocked to see them looking for more.
They’re addictive, in the very best way possible. (Other great ways to bond with your teens may be through funny podcasts or audiobooks.)
Here is a list of 20 of the best Ted Talks For Teens
1. Questions Every Teenager Needs to Be Asked – This ted talk is given by Laurence Lewars. He talks about his experience as a teenager and how he realized that the majority of teens don’t know what they would like to do or where they will be in the future. He concluded that many teens have pushed their dreams aside. This talk is very inspirational and informative. Definitely a must on the watch list
2. Why Do We Get Crushes – This ted talk for teens is given by Isabelle O’Carroll. She discusses all the crazy things that we do to get the attention of our crush. This can help your teen have some insight on relationships with also some humor.
3. Stress At School – This ted talk is presented by Carley Rogers. She gives a wonderful speech about the different types of stress and pressure that she has had to face in school.
4. How to Survive High School – This ted talk is presented by Camille Colley. She talks about her idea of high school was very different from the actual experience.
5. Growing Up Stressed or Growing Up Mindful – This ted talk is presented by Christopher Willard. He explains how teenagers are the most stressed humans in America. He gives some great techniques to help destress in fun ways.
6. Hi, I’m Scott – Scott Mescudi, a musician, returns to his high school to give a speech about growing up and his career in the music industry.
7. The Problems of Teenagers are Real – This is a talk given by Nikki Marsh. She talks about how generation Y is misunderstood and are facing real problems.
8. Why I Don’t Use a Smart Phone – Ann Makosinski gives a talk about how she was raised without the toys and smartphones that the majority of kids have and what people want in today’s world.. She explains how even though she may have been viewed as different she was able to be introduced to so much more.
9. Insight Into the Teenage Brain – This talk is presented by Adriana Galvan. She gives a scientific explanation of how the teenage brain develops and how teens think. This is a great Ted talk for teens and parents to watch together.
10. Tales of a Teenage Filmmaker – This talk is presented by Zachary Maxwell who ended up getting the attention of the media after creating a film about school food awareness. He explains how teens can make a difference.
11, Matthew Winkler: What makes a hero? – What trials unite not only Harry Potter or Frodo Baggins but many of literature’s most interesting heroes who share traits such as bravery, compassion, and wit? And what do ordinary people have in common with these literary heroes?
12, A Teen Just Trying to Figure It Out – Fifteen-year-old Tavi Gevinson had a hard time finding strong female, teenage role models — so she built a space where they could find each other. At TEDxTeen, she illustrates how the conversations on sites like Rookie, her wildly popular web magazine for and by teen girls, are putting a new, unapologetically uncertain and richly complex face on modern feminism.
13. Looks Aren’t Everything – Believe Me: I’m A Model– Our current social media culture puts a high premium on beauty, and what “beauty” is supposed to look like. She discusses how both teenage girls and boys struggle with their image and this talk encourages youth to look past “beauty standards” and to see what is really important.
14. Inside the Mind of a Procrastinator – We love this one even if your teen isn’t a major procrastinator right now. Procrastination can be the difference between succeeding and achieving your goals, or failure and being frustrated with the state of your life. Understanding why we procrastinate can be a game-changer.
15. After Watching This Your Brain Won’t Be the Same: Growth Mindset This is another awesome one that discusses why learning is easier for some of us than others and discusses the differences between growth and fixed mindset. which is so important for our teenagers, but we also loved it as parents, too. This one is so great we’re including it below to watch right now!
16. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance: Leaving a high-flying job in consulting, Angela Lee Duckworth took a job as a New York public school teacher. She quickly realized that IQ wasn’t the only thing separating the successful students getting the best grades from those who struggled in the classroom. Here, she explains her theory of “grit” as a predictor of success.
17. Everyday Leadership: This talk starts with one concept: we have all changed someone’s life — usually without even realizing it. In this funny talk, Drew Dudley calls on all of us to celebrate leadership as the everyday act of improving each other’s lives.
18. The Power of Introverts: In our society, introverts are often looked at as “less-than” and it can be hard to empower an introverted teenager. In a culture where being social and outgoing are prized above all else, it can be difficult, even shameful, to be an introvert. But, as Susan Cain argues in this passionate talk, introverts bring extraordinary talents and abilities to the world, and should be encouraged and celebrated.
19. The Danger of a Single Story: Our lives, our cultures, are composed of many overlapping stories. Novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie tells the story of how she found her authentic cultural voice — and warns that if we hear only a single story about another person or country, we risk a critical misunderstanding.
20. How to Listen Better: In our louder and louder world, says sound expert Julian Treasure, “We are losing our listening.” In this short, fascinating talk, Treasure shares five ways to re-tune your ears for conscious listening — to other people and the world around you.
Bonus Ted Talk
The Power of Vulnerability: We love anything Brene Brown, but especially this talk which focuses on our ability to empathize, belong, and love. In a poignant, funny talk, she shares a deep insight from her research, one that sent her on a personal quest to know herself as well as to understand humanity.
Keep on the Lookout for Tedx Talks
What Is A TEDx Talk?
Did you know that there are now local in-person TED events? Called TEDx, the x=independently organized event. TEDx follows the same format as a TED Talk. The main difference between TED and TEDx is that TEDx is focused on a local, geographic area. It is a local gathering where TED-like talks and presentations are shared with the community.
Raising teens and tweens is hard, but you don’t have to do it on your own. Here’s a list of some other popular posts that fellow parents enjoyed:
The Best TV Series Families With Teens and Tweens Can Enjoy Together
The Best Documentaries To Watch With Your Teens and Tweens
The Best 80’s Teen Movies Every Parent Should Watch With Their Teens
I am hoping to share this info with my great granddaughter and her mom.Thank you.
Is there a way to print the list of TED talks so I can give it to my daughter to watch?
Thanks
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