In today’s digital age, it can feel like an almost impossible task to get your teen to put down their phone and pick up a book. With so many distractions at their fingertips— social media, games, TikTok — it’s no wonder that reading sometimes takes a back seat. But don’t worry; there are many ways to encourage your teen to rediscover the joys of reading without causing a family feud.

Here are some tips to help you get your teen off their phone and into a book.

Start with their interests

If you want your teen to read more, start by tapping into their existing interests. If they’re passionate about sports, find biographies of their favourite athletes. If they’re into fantasy, there’s a whole world of exciting series waiting to be explored. The key is to make reading feel like a natural extension of what they already love – if it feels less like you forcing them and more of a choice they made themselves, they’re far more likely to find real enjoyment in it.

Create a reading routine

One way to build a reading habit is to set aside specific times during the day for reading. This could be before bed, during a quiet weekend morning, or even as a family activity where everyone reads together. Creating a routine can make reading a normal part of daily life, rather than a chore.

Lead by example

Teens often mimic the behaviours they see in their parents. If you want your teen to read more, show them how much you enjoy reading yourself. Talk about the books you’re reading, share interesting passages, and discuss the themes and ideas that capture your imagination. Your enthusiasm can be contagious, and having a shared hobby can make it a lot more fun.

Set boundaries for screen time

While it’s important not to be overly restrictive, setting some boundaries around screen time can help make room for reading. For example, you might decide that phones and tablets are off-limits during meals or that there’s a “no screens after 9 PM” rule. Use this screen-free time as an opportunity to encourage your teen to pick up a book instead, and make sure the boundary extends to you too – again, leading by example is very powerful.

Make reading fun, not a punishment

It’s really important that reading doesn’t feel like a punishment or a forced activity. Try to make it enjoyable by allowing your teen to choose what they want to read, even if it’s a graphic novel or a magazine. By celebrating their reading achievements (no matter how small) you can create a positive association with reading that will be a valuable foundation for their future.

Incorporate technology into reading

Sometimes, meeting teens where they are — on their devices — can actually encourage reading. Consider introducing them to e-books, which they can enjoy on their phones or tablets. More accessible modes of reading, like audiobooks or text-to-speech software, can also be particularly helpful for those with reading difficulties such as dyslexia. Apps like Goodreads can also help them track their reading progress and connect with other book lovers.

Support their choices

Whatever your teen decides to read, support their choices. Whether they’re diving into the latest bestseller or exploring a classic novel, your encouragement can make a big difference. Praise their efforts and be there to discuss the stories and ideas they encounter along the way.

Find more tips

Getting your teen to read more may take time and patience, but it’s worth the effort. For more tips on encouraging positive habits and supporting your teen’s education journey, check out other blogs for parents on our website here.

As a parent, it’s natural to want the best for your child, especially when it comes to their future career. With the world rapidly changing, ensuring your teen is well-prepared for the workforce of tomorrow can definitely feel daunting at times. If your teen has shown an interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) – good news! You’re already on the right track to supporting a future filled with exciting opportunities.

The growth of STEM careers is not just a trend; it’s a movement that is reshaping our global economy. Here’s why supporting your teen’s interest in STEM could be one of the best decisions for their future.

Why STEM is the future

STEM fields are at the forefront of innovation. From developing life-saving medical technologies to exploring new frontiers in space, the possibilities in STEM are literally endless. According to recent reports, STEM occupations are expected to grow by 14.2% in coming years, which is twice as fast as non-STEM jobs (7.4%). This demand means that those with STEM qualifications are not only highly sought after, but often have their pick of rewarding, high-paying jobs.

Why parents should get excited about STEM

Supporting your teen in pursuing a STEM career means more than just ensuring they’ll have job security; it’s about empowering them to be part of the solutions to some of the world’s biggest challenges. Whether they’re passionate about combating climate change, improving healthcare, or designing the next generation of technology, a STEM education provides the foundation they’ll need to make a real difference.

 “People think science is white men in labs looking in test tubes, but the conversation allows us to show all the different opportunities that are available. “

Shaun Bellomarino, Seaview High School, in response to downloading Study Work Grow’s National Science Week posters.

STEM is not a limited industry – in fact, diversity and inclusivity in STEM is essential for bringing together different perspectives, ideas, and approaches for more innovative solutions that benefit everyone.

Encouraging STEM exploration

It’s important for parents to encourage their child’s interest in STEM from a young age. This doesn’t mean pushing them into a specific career path, but rather nurturing their curiosity and providing them with opportunities to explore different fields. Encouraging participation in school science fairs, coding camps, or even at-home experiments can all contribute to a deep-seated passion for STEM.

If your teen is nearing the end of high school, now is the time to look at what specific STEM fields excite them the most. Careers in data science, biotechnology, environmental engineering, and robotics are just a few areas that are seeing exponential growth. Having open discussions about their interests and aspirations can help guide them in making informed decisions about their studies and career path.

The importance of STEM prerequisites

If your child is considering a STEM career, it’s essential to understand the importance of subject selection in high school. Prerequisites for university STEM courses often include advanced mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology. However, it’s really important that your child also enjoys these subjects, as passion and interest are key to long-term success.

While it may be tempting to choose subjects based solely on what will get them into university, it’s important to balance this with what your child loves to learn. They’ll be more motivated and engaged if they’re studying something they’re passionate about, which can lead to better outcomes in the long run.

Examples of successful STEM careers

To help you better understand the diverse opportunities available in STEM, here are some examples of successful and in-demand careers:

Data Scientist

Data scientists analyse complex data sets to uncover patterns, trends, and insights that help businesses make informed decisions. With data driving many industries today, this role is highly sought after and very important.

Biotechnologist

Working at the intersection of biology and technology, biotechnologists develop products and technologies that can improve healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. Their work has lots of demand in areas like genetic engineering and pharmaceutical development.

Environmental Engineer

These engineers focus on designing systems and solutions that help protect the environment. From developing clean energy sources to managing waste, environmental engineers play a key role in combating climate change.

Robotics Engineer

Robotics engineers design and build robots that can perform tasks ranging from manufacturing to surgery. As automation becomes increasingly prevalent, the demand for skilled robotics engineers is on the rise.

Cybersecurity Specialist

With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated, cybersecurity specialists are essential in protecting sensitive information and preventing data breaches. This career is needed within countless industries, and by businesses, governments, and individuals alike.

Space Scientist

Working for organisations like NASA or private space companies, space scientists study celestial phenomena and develop technologies for space exploration. This career is not only exciting but also contributes to humanity’s understanding of the universe.

The future job market for STEM graduates

One of the biggest concerns parents have is whether their child will be able to find a job after university. The good news is that STEM graduates are in high demand. In fact, many companies are struggling to fill roles in areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy. This trend is only expected to continue as technology evolves and industries become increasingly reliant on STEM professionals.

Moreover, STEM careers are often some of the highest-paying. Investing in a STEM education is not just about securing a job, but securing a fulfilling, well-compensated career.

Supporting your teen’s STEM journey

As your child’s biggest champion, your support is so important when it comes helping them navigate their journey. Here are some ways you can help:

• Research together: Explore the various STEM fields and what each one entails. Watch documentaries, visit science museums, or attend university open days to see what excites your child the most.
• Encourage practical experiences: Internships, work experience, and volunteering in related fields can provide invaluable insights and help your child build a network within the industry.
• Stay informed: Keep up with the latest trends in STEM to better understand the opportunities available. Our website offers resources and information on all careers including STEM careers, university courses, and more.
• Be patient: The path to a STEM career can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Encourage your child to stay focused, work hard, and pursue what they’re passionate about.

Want more?

The future of work is undoubtedly STEM-driven, and by supporting your child’s interest in this field, you’re setting them up for a successful and fulfilling career. The opportunities in STEM are vast, and the skills they acquire will be valuable no matter where their journey takes them. So, whether they dream of being a scientist, engineer, or tech innovator, rest assured that the future is bright for STEM graduates.

Encourage your child to explore, stay curious, and dream big — because in STEM, the possibilities are truly endless.

For more information on how to guide your child through their STEM journey, be sure to check out our resources here.

Subject selection is an exciting and stressful time in every high schooler’s life (and their parents).  There’s no doubt that even students feeling confident about their options or future plans will experience the weight of their decisions. The best thing parents and carers can do to help is to be supportive while they work through the options to make the best decision for themselves.

Subject selection – The whys

Until senior high school, your child’s education is all about teaching them the basics in lots of different learning areas. It ensures that they have great foundations to work from and allows them to sample lots of different subjects.

What comes next is the opportunity for them specialise and take a deeper dive into subjects they’re passionate about and enjoy learning.

Subject selection tips for parents

We’ve pulled together our top tips for supporting your child so they can make the best possible choices.

It needs to be their decision

Although it’s hard to see them struggle, this really is a time when your role is just to offer the support or guidance that allows your child to choose the subjects they want to continue studying.

Prerequisites are important, but not everything

If your child’s considering heading to university and has some idea of what they’d like to study, encourage them to check the prerequisites for courses they’re interested in. And, if none are listed, it’s a good idea to research the assumed knowledge they’ll need once they start the course to help them to keep up.

It’s not ideal if they’re considering taking a subject in Year 11 and 12 solely because it is a prerequisite for their preferred degree, but they don’t enjoy it and aren’t interested in it. You could point out that future studies could be unrewarding and they can also expect to find themselves in a job they may not enjoy and aren’t interested in down the track.

Focus on strengths and keep options open

Year 10 students aren’t known for their rational decision-making skills, and 45% don’t have a clear career aspiration (Yu & Warren, 2019). This is where you can guide them and help them stay on track.

Here are a few examples of some less-than-ideal decision making when it comes to subject selection:

• Choosing subjects they think will scale better or are “easier” in the hopes that might help them to get a better ATAR
• Selecting subjects they think will look better on their resumes
• Avoiding subjects they love because they think they’re too easy or not linked to a career path that’s been visible to them

Instead, encourage them to lean into their strengths and consider subjects that they enjoy, they’re interested in, and that they’re really good at. Teacher feedback could encourage and help them to do this.

“Choose the enabling subjects, the ones that will keep the doors of opportunity open…”

Dr Alan Finkel, Australian Chief Scientist 2016-2020

Seek feedback from educators at school

When there’s an open conversation and flow of information between students, parents, and the school, it could help make subject selection much less of a dilemma. Making an appointment with the school’s Career Practitioner or Guidance Officer or attending information sessions can help you and your child navigate subject selection.

Consider the labour market in your area

Sometimes students think that if they study certain subjects at school and uni, they’ll be able to enter their chosen career straight away. Which might be true for certain cases, but it’s also heavily dependent on where they’ll be living and what opportunities are available locally.

It’s worth looking into what jobs are are available locally as part of the subject selection and career exploration period. If your young person is really motivated and enthusiastic, but opportunities are scarce locally, you could look at regions nearby, around the country, or even globally where they might more easily find work in their chosen areas.

Don’t discourage them from studying subjects they’re passionate about; instead take some time to research other careers where their skills and qualifications might also come into play.

Keep calm and be a champion

Conversations with your child are always the best way to find out where their heads are and what their struggles might be. Whether it’s micro-conversations in the car or long chats over dinner, talking openly and honestly can be incredibly valuable and help your teen feel reassured in their decisions.

Find out more

If you’re looking for other resources, we’ve published a workbook to help high school students to scaffold their thinking processes and work out what they’re good at and what they enjoy. If your child’s school is a Study Work Grow member, they can access the workbook for free as part of their membership – they just need to ask their Careers Advisor.

Or you can read more information about subject selection on our website here.

The internet has become an integral part of our lives, offering countless opportunities for learning, communication, and entertainment. But there can be downsides too, particularly for parents of teenagers, from cyberbullying to excessive screen time. And it can be hard to find a balance between freedom and rules – especially when access to devices is so easy these days. Let’s explore some common concerns and practical tips for parents to help their teens safely navigate the internet.

What concerns do parents have?

ReachOut have recently released the results of their latest study, Parenting in the digital age: Navigating concerns about the online world of young people. They surveyed 631 parents and carers across Australia, asking them about the issues that concerned them most when it comes to screen time and its impacts on mental health. Here are some of the key takeaways:

• 59% of respondents were concerned about young people’s use of social media.
• 55% reported ‘quite a bit’ or ‘a lot’ of impact on wellbeing.
• 66% said internet use was a top issue for children under 15.
• 11% reported that they didn’t feel at all equipped to manage issues with internet and social media use.
• Nearly 60% needed support in the last 12 months to find quality, trusted information.
• Four key themes were identified: time, safety, content, and parental controls.
• Some argued that the platforms themselves needed to take some responsibility for youth wellbeing and safety.

“I want help from social media companies or tech companies themselves to limit their use.”

F, major city – Parenting in the digital age: Navigating concerns about the online world of young people

Back in 2019, eSafety also conducted research into the experience of parent’s raising children in the digital world in their report Parenting in the digital age. They surveyed 3,520 parents of children aged 2–17 in Australia and found:

• 94% of parents regard their child’s online safety as being important.
• 33% didn’t know where to get help if their child needed it.
• 95% agreed that they need additional online safety information…
• But only 36% actively sought out online safety information in the last 12 months.
• 37% of parents of 13 to 17-year olds were aware of their child having a negative online experience in the last 12 months.
• 37% believe technology companies aren’t doing enough to build safety features into their products and services.
• The most common concerns were privacy, protecting children from strangers, and spotting the signs and symptoms of a child experiencing negative incidents.

We can see that things haven’t really changed much in the last 5 years. Parents are still struggling to find helpful and trustworthy information about online safety, as well as feeling a lack of control over their child’s privacy and safety online.

Is screen time an issue for teens?

Getting your teen to stop scrolling might feel like rolling a boulder up a hill, but believe it or not, there can actually be positives around social media and other device use, including:

• Helping them bond with friends and family and preventing loneliness
• Learning about the world outside their home town or country
• Allowing them to be creative and share their ideas and thoughts
• Building some surprising important skills through gaming
• Just having fun!

Like all things, your teen will reap the most rewards by spending time online in moderation. Excessive screen time can lead to:

• Teens becoming disconnected from the real world
• Ignoring other important things, like school or work
• Stumbling across inappropriate content
• Decreased self-esteem

What can parents do to protect their teens online?

A lot of teens probably don’t want their parents knowing what they do online, and some of the topics around internet safety can be tricky to talk about. But open communication is a huge part of ensuring your child is safe. Here are some tips for helping you protect your teen’s safety and privacy online.

Be honest and open

You and your teen probably both cringe when broaching topics like sexting or pornography, but the reality is the more you talk about it, the easier it becomes. The AIFS found that the best way to educate children on these topics is to encourage open communication and discussion. Here are some tips from eSafety on approaching tricky subjects with your teen:

• Plan – before you say a word, first make sure you know what you want to say, how to say it, and where to have the conversation.
• Listen, don’t judge – snapping or being upset makes your teen less likely to approach you for help if they find themselves in trouble in the future.
• Ask questions – gauge what your teen already knows so you can focus on filling in the blanks.
• Get help – if you’re really struggling with what to say, you can get more advice from services like eSafety, Parentline, or ReachOut. If your teen really doesn’t want to talk to you, suggest that they can find help through Kids Helpline or headspace instead.

Build digital literacy

You might wish it wasn’t so, but the internet is here to stay, and it will probably be a big part of your teen’s life. Instead of trying to fight it, help them to build important digital literacy skills so they can surf online responsibly. Remind them to think critically about what they see and read online, as well as how the things they post might be viewed by others. Ask if they know about their digital footprint and make them aware that anything they post online stays there forever.

“Arming children and young people with tools to engage critically with media is important to their understanding of the differences between online pornography and their offline sexual relationships.”

Australian Institute of Family Studies – The effects of pornography on children and young people

Know what apps your teens are using

We’ve all heard of the big ones (like TikTok, Instagram, or Snapchat), but there are thousands of apps, games, and sites out there, all free to access with little to no restrictions. Arming yourself with knowledge can help you understand whether or not your teen is interacting with potentially inappropriate or dangerous content.

Start by simply asking your teen what their favourite apps or sites are. If you want to go in pre-armed, you might like to check out this comprehensive list from eSafety – it tells you what the app or site is, what it does or what it’s for, and provides helpful links to privacy policies and terms of use. Common Sense Media is another site you can use to find out more about the content your teen might be seeing or engaging with online.

Encourage privacy online

Make sure your teens (and you) know where and how to change the privacy settings on their social media accounts and other apps. Most of them have settings that allow you to restrict who can see and interact with your profile, prevent automatic sharing of other information from your device (like your location), or filter the content you can see.

Have a chat about the kinds of information it’s OK and not OK to share online. When playing games where you need a nickname or avatar, remind them to avoid using their real name or other identifying characteristics (like their birthday). And of course there is some information that should never be shared with strangers, like their address, full date of birth, or full name.

If they insist on playing games or using other apps with voice chat (e.g. Discord), let them know they can only do it if you’re able to listen in – for example, they need to play out in the lounge room, or use the TV speaker instead of headphones.

Set clear rules about screen time

Like we mentioned earlier, the use of devices in and of itself isn’t necessarily an issue; the amount of time and way it’s spent is more of a concern. Start by doing a “screen audit” in the household, tracking how much time is spent on devices each day or week. Then, sit down as a family and discuss what needs to happen next. Make sure to let your teen know that they are a key decision-maker in this process too and that their opinion is valued and heard.

When setting limits on screen time, it’s important to emphasise that they apply to the whole family – yes, even mum and dad. Taking the lead and setting a good example is important, particularly for parents of younger children, and can help your teen feel like the rules are less “unfair”.

Don’t forget to plan or suggest other activities you can do together with your new free time. Physical activity is a great way to take your mind off something, even if it’s just taking the dog for a quick walk around the block. You might like to bring out a board game or puzzle, or even just have a good old-fashioned face-to-face chat.

If your teen is really struggling to tear themself away from the screen, you might need to take it one step further. Many devices and apps now have built-in blockers, filters, and usage limits. There are external apps you can use to help with this too, like StayFocusd, Family Link, or Qustodio. You may also like to take a look at this list of accredited Family Friendly Filters from the Communications Alliance.

Online safety resources for parents

There are heaps of reliable and trustworthy sources of information about digital safety and privacy for parents and young people. Here are our top picks:

• eSafety
• ReachOut
• Raising Children Network
• Australian Institute of Family Studies
• Parentline’s Parenting in… Cyberspace podcast
• ThinkUKnow (note: the content on this site is about preventing online child sexual exploitation and may be distressing for some)
• Global Kids Online
• Children and Media Australia
• Kiwi Families
• Common Sense Media
• Ask About Games
• Youth Law Australia

You can also find other resources for parents on our website here.

Year 12 students have just received their final results, and many parents have also been waiting for this moment with bated breath. You probably have lots of valuable advice at hand too, whether its about finding a job that pays well or getting in to a prestigious university. But at the same time, it’s important to let your teen figure out their next steps and what’s right for them. We have some tips to help you navigate conversations about the future with your teen.

Listen to your teen

It’s natural to want the best for our kids. Many parents that didn’t go to university are keen to see their teens take advantage of the opportunities they never had – and if you did go to uni, there can sometimes be an unspoken expectation that your kids will follow in your footsteps.

But at the end of the day, our teens aren’t us. They are their own people with their own goals, hobbies, and dreams. Instead of trying to live vicariously through them or push them to do something “prestigious”, listen to what they have to say. Sure, your teen may have received an ATAR of 99 and being a doctor pays incredibly well, but if they’re just not interested in medicine, don’t push the subject.

Let them direct the conversation

Getting our teens to talk is tricky at the best of times. If you can sense they’re feeling unsure or uneasy about the future, don’t immediately jump in with suggestions and advice, no matter how well-intentioned. Let them express their concerns freely without judgement. Ask lots of open-ended questions and just listen for a while – try to be empathetic and put yourself in their shoes (you probably went through the same thing with your parents at one point too).

It can be hard, but it’s best to let our teens try to figure out their problems for themselves. Sometimes they might not even be looking for a solution, but just want to vent their frustrations. Don’t rush in and try to fix everything, just be supportive and let them know you’re there for them.

Remain calm

Don’t be judgmental or over-reactive when talking to your teen. Even if their suggestions seem completely outlandish to you (“dad, I really want to be a TikTok influencer”), keep your cool – blowing up will probably alienate your teen and make them less likely to come to you for help in the future.

Instead, keep your responses calm and measured. Go through both the pros and cons of your teen’s chosen pathway and let them explain their reasons. Try to keep an eye on your body language too – teens definitely pick up on things like rolling your eyes, raising your eyebrows, and shaking your head.

Back their decisions

At the end of the day, no matter what they choose, support your teen 100% of the way. It might be hard to take a step back and let them fight their own battles, but it will help them to become more resilient, think critically, and solve problems effectively. And it’s good for them to know you’ll be there to help just in case something does go wrong.

“Children do not need us to shape them. They need us to respond to who they are.”

Naomi Aldort, Raising Our Children, Raising Ourselves

Find more tips

You can read heaps of other blogs for parents on our website here.

Talking about money is often an uncomfortable subject, even more so if you’re having financial troubles. When money is tight, it’s normal to be stressed out and anxious about the future. And you probably aren’t the only one feeling the pinch – entire families often feel the brunt of financial pressures, particularly if it means making big lifestyle changes.

Instead of trying to hide it or leave your teens out of the conversation, it can actually be more helpful to talk to them so they can understand what’s going on and feel more confident to tackle these issues on their own. So here are some tips for talking with your teen about financial stress.

Is it really OK to talk to teens about money troubles?

As parents, we sometimes bottle things up, worried about burdening our family with extra pressure. Sometimes we feel it’s our responsibility to deal with these “adult problems” on our own. But our teens tend to pick up more than we realise – and if things haven’t been going well, they probably already have an idea about what’s going on.

Being open and honest with your teens is a great way to build trust and reassurance, and can make it easier to discuss potential lifestyle changes. Plus, you can help equip them to deal with money challenges they might face in the future.

How to talk with your teens about financial stress

If you’re feeling unsure about how to approach the situation, we have some tips you might find helpful.

Before the talk

• Plan what you’re going to say. This will help you stay focused and calm, and you can decide exactly how much you’ll tell your teen.
• Find the right time and place. Make sure it’s somewhere you’re all comfortable, and that you have plenty of time to talk without distractions (including putting phones on silent and switching off the TV).
• Make sure you’re in the right head space. If you or your teen are already frazzled or busy with something else, it might be best to leave it for another day.

During the talk

• Keep calm. Watch your body language and speak clearly and slowly. If things get heated or too stressful, it’s OK to take a time out and try again later.
• Try to stay positive. It can be tough, but avoid spiralling into “what if” scenarios that only serve to further stress your teen (and you) out.
• Be realistic. Don’t make any promises you know you can’t keep, but make sure you reassure your teens you’ll be there for them no matter what.
• Let them talk too. Encourage your teen to actively participate in the conversation. Let them ask questions and listen carefully to their concerns and opinions.

After the talk

• Reassure your teen. Let them know that you’re going to work through this together, and that they can always come to you if they have more questions or just want to talk.
• See how they feel. Make sure they understand what’s happening and feel confident about working together to solve the problem.
• Practise self-care. This goes for both you and your teen. It can be hard to relax when money’s tight, but looking after your mental health is still so important.

Going forward

If you’re currently short on cash, some of you and your teen’s favourite activities might need to be put on the sidelines for now. Convincing your teen to give something up can be tricky, so try to suggest other things to do instead that won’t break the bank, such as:

• Going for a walk together (bonus if you bring the dog too).
• Playing board games or sports in the backyard.
• Instead of buying a new game, replaying their favourite.
• Take up a new hobby.
• Participate in free local community events, like festivals, fun days, art and gallery exhibitions, and library workshops.
• Spending time with friends.

Finding more support

There are people and services out there to help when you’re financially stretched. Here are some things to try:

• Talk to your teen’s school. Many schools are willing to be flexible or put a plan in place if you’re struggling to pay for school fees, uniforms, or other important supplies.
• See if bills can be deferred. It’s not a permanent solution, but not having to worry about that looming electricity, phone, or internet bill for a month can provide some relief.
• Research government support options. There are usually some government support payments you can access, particularly for families.
• Keep in touch with family and friends. Don’t be too proud to accept if your friends or other family members offer support. Even just having someone to talk (or vent) to can be a big help.

More tips for parents

We have lots of other blogs on our website for parents – check them out here.

High school is all about equipping our teens to become independent, a huge part of which is preparing them for the world of work. Parents and carers are often the primary influence on their teen’s career goals, so being their champion could help them succeed.

Parental influence on your child’s education

“Parents are the number one influencer over their children’s post-school decisions, and play more of a role than their teachers, careers advisors, or friends.”

Lucy Sattler, CEO of Study Work Grow

Lots of career education happens in schools, but your input as parents or carers can’t be underestimated.

A study back in 2021 found that:

• 48% of respondents felt that their parents strongly influenced their career path.
• 40% felt pressured to follow their parents’ career advice.
• 1 in 10 Gen-Zers (those born between 1997 and 2012) said their parents started to influence their career paths when they were 5 years old or younger.

So, what can you do to support your teens career goals and aspirations? Here are some simple tips you could try:

Encourage exploration

Talk with them about your job and the pathway that got you there. Have conversations about people doing the jobs that impact your life every day – the visible and invisible ones. Helping them to “see” more of the jobs that are out there could inspire them to look beyond the few jobs that they’re already familiar with. Encourage your teen to have career related conversations with other friends and family too.

You could also encourage your child to explore lots of subjects, try a range of extracurricular activities, or volunteer in different ways. Exposure to a variety of experiences could help your teen to identify their strengths, interests, and potential career paths. Attending career fairs, workshops, and events together is another great way to help broaden their horizons.

Research together

Get involved in researching different career options with your teen. Read jobs ads together, share videos with them about cool careers or jobs you’ve never heard of.

Look at the:

• educational requirements (there’s usually more than one option)
• job responsibilities, and
• potential growth in each field.

Online resources, career websites, as well as informational interviews with professionals in various industries could all provide valuable insights. Not only will they learn more about the jobs out there that interest them, but so will you.

Encourage self-awareness

Knowing your own interests, abilities and values is another important factor when it comes to making good career choices. As seen above, exploration and research could improve your teen’s self-awareness, as could these ideas:

• Talking about what they think is important in life. E.g. do they want to work 9-5, or would they prefer shift work? Do they want to work with people or would they love to work with technology? What work life balance are they looking for?
• Providing positive feedback about their strengths, future goals, and interests could boost their motivation and help them feel confident in their decisions.
• Chat about the things that seem to bring them joy or satisfaction and why. This could be from school subjects or projects to hobbies. Then think about careers where these things could be incorporated.

Start goal setting

Help your child set both short-term and long-term goals aligned with their aspirations. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps and setting realistic expectations could prevent teens from feeling overwhelmed. It’ll also increase their sense of accomplishment as they achieve milestones along the way.

Keep up at school

Exploring careers and making future plans is brilliant, but not if it’s at the expense of your high schooler student’s school work. After all without some of the foundation knowledge or prerequisite skills, it could make achieving their goals trickier. If they’re struggling, you could:

• Help them to prioritise their time
• Plan some dedicated study time at home, maybe removing some of their chores while they catch up
• Speak to the school about additional support
• Help to find (or provide) study resources
• Find a tutor
• Most importantly, offer reassurance and celebrate their academic achievements.

Get some work experience

Encourage your teen to make the most of work experience placements at school. Find volunteer jobs (at school or within your community), or get part time work during their holidays or after school hours. Sampling lots of jobs is a great way for them to work out what they’re good at and what they enjoy (or don’t). As well as understanding what work is all about, gaining skills, and starting to become more independent.

Talk…often

Remind your teen that you’re a a safe space to share their dreams, fears, and uncertainties. Setting times for regular check ins could really help to keep them on track with which ever goals they’ve set and allow you the chance to be their cheerleader.

Find a mentor

A mentor could provide guidance based on their own career experiences or offer opportunities for your teen. From family friends, teachers, or professionals in your child’s field of interest. Mentorship can provide valuable insights, networking opportunities, and real-world advice that can significantly impact your child’s career trajectory.

Help keep their dreams alive

As parents, our role is not only to guide but also to empower our high schoolers to pursue their dreams with confidence and resilience.

If you’d like more resources that might help, we have heaps of other blogs for parents on our website here.

Over the last few years, you’ve probably heard all about the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Understanding what AI is and how it could impact your teen’s educational journey is going to be necessary to support and guide them through the tricky high school years. As a parent or guardian, it’s likely that your teens are ahead of you in their knowledge and uptake of any new technologies. So we’ve put together some basic information you might find enlightening.

Understanding artificial intelligence (AI)

Simply put, AI is:

A field in computer science that refers to computers or machines being able to simulate human intelligence to perform tasks or solve problems.

Will Hurd, OpenAI

Whether we like it or not (or are ready or not) it’s already part of our lives in lots of different areas, including education. From self-driving cars and chat bots, to fraud detection, recommendation systems, and even medical imaging, AI is already everywhere.

The introduction of AI in education

Since the launch of ChatGPT* in 2022, the media has exploded with headlines and articles about AI. But it’s actually been around for a while, and is already prevalent in schools. AI is used in teaching apps that deliver content; personalised learning platforms that tailor lessons for individual student needs; smart content recommendations and educational software; assessment tools and grading systems; and even in student counselling services.

*Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer: a language based chat bot that can answer questions, compose emails, spit out essays, and even code when the user types in some text prompts.

Impacts of AI at school

For your teens, AI’s presence in education brings both opportunities and drawbacks. For example, AI-driven learning platforms that can adapt to your teen’s pace and style of learning, as well as providing customised resources and feedback, could really help them to thrive.

Teachers can also use AI in so many ways. It can free up more of their time in the classroom and allow them to target each student’s particular learning needs more effectively.

However, there are also concerns that students may rely too heavily on AI tools, such as ChatGPT, and therefore:

• Don’t develop critical thinking skills
• Lose creativity
• Stop generating their own solutions and ideas
• Are able to “cheat” more easily
• Hand in work that’s not been done by them
• Lose motivation for school if apps and platforms take over from real teaching

How to stay on top of AI at your child’s high school

Realistically, AI isn’t going anywhere, so our children (and us) are going to have to learn how to use this technology responsibly and safely. If you haven’t seen any information come home, you can contact your school and ask about the AI tools and platforms being used. Find out if the school has banned any specific AI technologies or programs so that you can keep an eye on what’s being used at home. You don’t have to be an expert, but knowing a little bit could benefit both you and your teen.

Have an open and honest conversation with your high schooler – ask them about their experiences with AI-based tools and if they’re being taught to use them responsibly. Don’t be upset or leap to judgement if your teen is using these tools when they’re not supposed to; use it as a chance to educate them on their benefits and pitfalls.

You could also attend any information sessions at school, speak to your school leadership or individual teachers, speak to other parents, and look for more information online. Schools and education departments are all over this and take it very seriously.

Get the right information

If you’re keen to dive deeper into understanding AI in education, we recommend that you seek out reliable sources of information. Request information about the school policies and research directly from the school. You could also look for specialists in educational technology and reputable online platforms who focus on AI in education. They’ll have recommendations and advice that’s both practical and up to date.

Be a futurist

If you can’t beat it, just embrace it! Sign up for workshops or courses to teach you the basics. Test AI tools together with your teen and explore their limitations as well as their potential. Read up about and discuss the ethics around AI. Investigate future career opportunities resulting from AI tech. This is going to be part of all our futures, so it’s great to set a solid foundation and gain understanding to move forward with.

If you’d like to read more of our blogs for parents, there’s a range of topics to choose from over on our website.

The developing teenage brain and reasoning

Adolescence is marked by many significant changes in the brain. While the emotional and social areas of the brain develop early, the prefrontal cortex (responsible for reasoning, decision-making, and impulse control) continues to mature into the mid-20s.

Impacts of limited reasoning on decision-making

Lack of reasoning skills can mean teens aren’t able to effectively weigh up their options, which might lead to poor choices in relationships, school, or future pathways. This can manifest in impulsive behaviours or difficulty understanding the long-term implications of their actions or choices. It can be frustrating when we feel like our teens just won’t listen to us or make silly decisions, but it’s all a part of growing up (and remember that your parents probably felt the same way about you at one point too).

Benefits of boosting reasoning skills

By actively engaging your teen in reasoning exercises and discussions, you can promote their cognitive development and empower them to be better at decision-making. Sound reasoning helps teens to:

• Analyse information
• Evaluate options
• Make well-informed choices
• Identify and solve problems
• Be better equipped to resist peer pressure
• Make choices that align with their values
• Set goals
• Plan for their future
• Be aware of the consequences of their actions and decisions

All of these skills can help your teen become a well-rounded adult, ready to tackle nearly anything life might throw at them.

Building reasoning skills in everyday life

If you’d like to help your teen to develop these reasoning skills and empower them to become better at decision making and problem solving, here are a few things you could try. Remember, reasoning skills aren’t something that develop overnight – so don’t forget to keep an open mind and be patient with your teen as they learn and grow.

Encourage discussions and debates

Engage in discussions on a wide range of topics, such as current events, ethical dilemmas, or future plans. Encourage them to voice their opinions and ask open-ended questions. They’ll be honing their reasoning skills by thinking more critically and defending their arguments using logic.

Engage in critical thinking exercises

Provide opportunities for your teen to engage in critical thinking activities, such as solving puzzles, doing brain teasers, playing board games, or exploring philosophical questions. If your teen is hesitant, there are more subtle and appealing ways to engage them. Suggest a family games night, surprise them with gifts, challenge them, or ask questions when events or issues pop up on the news, at their school, or even in a movie.

Think of problem solving scenarios

Present real-life problems or scenarios and ask your teen how they might handle these situations. Encourage them to think critically and weigh the pros and cons of various approaches.

Share your own dilemmas

Discuss problems you’ve faced in the past, the choices you made, and the thought process behind them, then ask your teen what they would have done in the same situation. This modelling provides a template for your teen to follow.

Include them in decision-making

Give your teen opportunities to make decisions and be responsible for real-life situations and scenarios. This could be something like choosing their extracurricular activities, making plans with friends, or helping plan family trips. Ask them to analyse the potential risks and benefits in different situations. Lead on to what the potential outcomes could be and what would be the best decision in each scenario.

Promote independence

Encourage your teen to take on age-appropriate responsibilities. This could include scheduling appointments, handling money, cooking meals, or getting a part-time job. These experiences could promote reasoning skills as well as preparing them for adult life.

Seek out learning opportunities

Look for school or community programs and courses that develop critical thinking, problem solving, and logic skills. STEM clubs, debate teams, chess clubs, creative writing courses, coding classes, or social justice groups are just a few examples.

Empowering our teens

Helping your teen to develop reasoning skills is an investment in their future. By understanding the natural progression of these skills and implementing practical strategies, you can empower your teenager to make informed, thoughtful decisions, and equip them for success in the complex world they’re navigating.

You can read more blogs for parents on our website here.

Make time for a chat

Communication is always the best way for you to make sure your teen is fully prepared. It also gives you an opportunity to offer your support and address and worries or concerns they have. Just make sure it’s not a lecture or negative, otherwise they’re likely to switch off or get defensive.

Talk about all the fun stuff they have a planned, where they’ll be staying, and who they’re going with. You can also bring up the hard topics like being responsible if alcohol and drugs are involved, safe sex, and generally taking care of themselves and their mates.

Remind them to be true to themselves, stick with their choices, to do what’s right for them (you could discuss boundaries in advance too), and not to bow to peer pressure.

Have their back

Ask them to provide you with all the information you’ll need to help them in case anything goes wrong.

• Address of where they’re staying (have a quick check of the accommodation agreement too)
• Travel details
• Agreed times/days when they’ll check in to let you know they’re OK
• Contact details of friends they’ll be with
• Their bank card details, just in case it gets lost
• Add an ICE (in case of emergency) contact to their phone as well as the Red Frogs Hotline 1300 557 123

Make sure they have everything they need. You could even send them with some essential supplies, or organise a delivery of:

• Slabs of bottled water
• Pre-cooked or microwave meals
• Non-perishable snacks
• A small first aid kit
• Some cash to keep as an emergency stash

Keeping the peace

We know that your worries come from a place of love and concern but your teen is feeling independent and getting their first taste of adulting. So here are some things we recommend that you don’t do:

• Do not call or SMS your teen constantly – stick to the agreed check in times. Especially try to avoid contacting them while they are driving.
• Don’t provide them with alcohol even if they are over 18 – research has shown that providing them with alcohol could lead to more risky behaviour.
• Don’t post about them or their friends on social media without their permission.

And here are some other things you can do:

• Join the Red Frogs Schoolies Advice for Parents group for updates and tips so you can feel informed.
• Check out the Safer Schoolies page.
• Download a checklist to give to your teen before they head off.

Not all teens are the same

If your school leaver is keen to celebrate but the chaos of schoolies is stressing them out, you could always help them to find other ways to celebrate instead.

Send them off with a positive mindset

Make sure your teen knows that they can call you at any time of the day or night and that you’ll be there to help them, no matter what.

You can find more blogs for parents on our website here.