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Thirteen-year-olds: They’re not quite tweens anymore, but they don’t yet have the independence of older teenagers. Getting gifts for kids this age requires deft navigating that in-between stage. But there’s so much out there to please even the pickiest 13-year-old, including creative DIY kits, fun new tech and those special, meaningful keepsakes — the hardest part may be figuring out which ones to choose.

These best gifts for 13-year-old girls try to meet them where they’re at. They include favorites from the Good Housekeeping Institute, which tests toys, tech and other gear for for safety, durability, along with ease of use while soliciting feedback from real teenagers. Then we add some trendy bestsellers and editor’s picks to make sure there’s something for every teen wish list.

I listened to warnings about the new “Superman” movie from my friends at Fox News and others in the conservative fear-o-sphere. They told me libs had turned the Man of Steel woke. They warned the movie might propagandize me into thinking immigrants are not entirely evil.

But because I’m brave and believe in doing my own research, I decided to venture out of my Marxism-proof bunker and drive – in a gas-powered car, as God intended – to the local theater to see what the Democrats had done to my favorite superhero.

I had reason to worry. Jesse Watters of Fox News said this version of Superman “fights for truth, justice and your preferred pronouns,” joking that he has “MS13” on his cape, which is a really funny joke if you don’t understand how jokes work, which I don’t.

Does Superman represent basic human kindness? Classic liberal talk.

Director James Gunn sparked the sensible Republican super outrage by telling the Times of London, “I mean, Superman is the story of America. An immigrant that came from other places and populated the country. But for me, it is mostly a story that says basic human kindness is a value and is something we have lost.”

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Easy there, Mr. Lefty Movie Director. Human kindness? That sounds like soft, liberal talk, not the kind of toughness I want to see in a fictional character who, as long as I ignore everything about Superman laid out in decades of comic-book and film lore, stands for being an America-first, take-no-prisoners badass.

In my MAGA-centric world, under the great leadership of President Donald Trump, a proper superhero would be flying around America rounding up migrants while wearing a mask that hides his identity and bravely violating the rules of due process. Because … you know … USA!

How dare they make a superhero movie that makes me question my values

Conservative commentator Clay Travis responded to Gunn’s soyboy blah-blah, posting: “I’m going to skip seeing Superman now. Director is an absolute moron to say this publicly the week before release. America is desperate for apolitical entertainment, and Hollywood is unable to deliver it.”

Travis is right. The last thing I want to do is go to the movie theater and hear something that doesn’t precisely conform to my worldview, even if it involves a superhero who, when he first appeared in a comic book in 1938 written by two men who were the sons of Jewish immigrants, was described as: “Superman, champion of the oppressed! The physical marvel who had sworn to devote his existence to helping those in need!”

Everyone who wears a MAGA hat knows that we – the REAL AMERICANS who support President Trump – are the oppressed. We’re the ones who need a champion, an invincible hero who will make us feel good about espousing Christian beliefs while wanting to lock immigrants up in camps with names like “Alligator Alcatraz.” We’re the ones who need to believe we’re the good guys!

New ‘Superman’ movie tried to make me less hateful. Nice try!

Is Superman technically an “alien” from another planet who was welcomed to Earth by an adoptive family in middle America? Sure. Is his arch-nemesis a billionaire with a thirst for power, a fact that makes me a little uncomfortable, as if there’s some kind of hypocrisy at play in my belief system? Yes. But I can easily ignore both those facts to avoid the mental anguish of recognizing my own broken logic.

Which brings me to the despicable woke messages I witnessed on opening night of “Superman.”

For starters, there was way too much caring. This Superman cared about innocent people who don’t look exactly like me, including people in a foreign country. He cared about people believing he was a good person. At one point, he even saved an alien baby and reunited it with its parent, when he should have been taking that alien baby AWAY from its parent and putting them both behind bars surrounded by alligators.

Stupid, Hollyweird.

‘I’m as human as anyone’ is classic Woke Superman claptrap

At one point, Superman’s clearly woke adoptive father tries to defend his son’s alien-ness, referring to him by his given first name and saying: “Your choices, Clark, your actions. That’s what makes you who you are.”

WRONG! It’s where you’re from and how well you align with MAGA ideology that makes you who you are, pops. I can’t believe they let kids get exposed to this kind of aggressive humanity.

Late in the movie, Lex Luthor, who should be viewed by Trump supporters as a billionaire hero, screams “ALIEN!” at Superman. To which the super-lib responds: “I’m as human as anyone. I love, I get scared. I wake up every morning and despite not knowing what to do, I put one foot in front of the other and I try to make the best choices I can. I screw up all the time, but that’s being human. And that’s my greatest strength. And someday, I hope, for the sake of the world, you understand that it’s yours too.”

BARF! That’s a transparent suggestion that I should look at other human beings and recognize we’re all fundamentally the same, worthy of love, kindness and a fair shake. As if I should wish the best for my fellow humans, even if I don’t like or agree with them.

Superman needs to keep his left-wing morals to himself

Well, if I were to believe that, then everything about President Trump and his administration’s actions against immigrants and espousal of casual cruelty would seem … I dunno … kinda bad, I guess.

So forget it, Woke Superman. Acknowledging hypocrisy is my kryptonite. You keep that stuff away from me.

Follow USA TODAY columnist Rex Huppke on Bluesky at @rexhuppke.bsky.social and on Facebook at facebook.com/RexIsAJerk

Don’t worry, we’ve already done the hard work for you. If you’re looking for a solid PG-13 movie, we’ve picked some excellent titles that span a wide range of genres, from comedies like Always Be My Maybe to action-packed films like Godzilla Minus One.

Let’s be real…surfing through Netflix ‘s library might sound like a relaxing night-in, but three remote clicks later, you’re lost in a rabbit hole of endless options. Sometimes, you just want a movie that’s not for kids, but also not too intense — something comfortably in between.

01 of 18 Always Be My Maybe (2019) Ali Wong as Sasha Tran and Randall Park as Marcus Kim in ‘Always Be My Maybe’. Ed Araquel/Netflix Most people would rather avoid running into their high-school sweetheart, but Sasha Tran (Ali Wong) and Marcus Kim (Randall Park) — childhood friends–turned–one-time fling–turned–strangers — don’t get that choice. Now a thirtysomething celebrity chef, Sasha returns to San Francisco to open a new restaurant and crosses paths with Marcus, who shows up to install her air conditioning in her interim home. With sparks still flying 15 years later, they decide to give their friendship a second go (and, well, you can guess where it goes from there). Directed by Fresh Off the Boat’s creator, Nahnatchka Khan, Always Be My Maybe is a sharply written, self-aware rom-com that offers multi-dimensional Asian American representation, fabulous fashion, and sizzling chemistry between Park and Wong. (Plus, you get to see Keanu Reeves in a rom-com for the first time since 2009’s The Private Lives of Pippa Lee.) —James Mercadante Where to watch Always Be My Maybe: Netflix EW grade: B (read the review) Director: Nahnatchka Khan Cast: Ali Wong, Randall Park, Daniel Dae Kim, James Saito, Michelle Buteau, Vivian Bang, Keanu Reeves

03 of 18 Daughters (2024) Incarcerated fathers in ‘Daughters’. Courtesy of Netflix This poignant documentary is a testament to the special bond between fathers and daughters. The film follows four young girls and their incarcerated fathers as they get ready for a special Date With Dad weekend held at the prison. The main highlight is the Daddy Daughter Dance, and the doc centers on the daughters’ point of view as they grapple with their hopes, fears, and understandable sadness over being separated from their fathers. Winner of the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival, Daughters will leave you without a dry eye. —K.J. Where to watch Daughters: Netflix Directors: Angela Patton, Natalie Rae

05 of 18 Enola Holmes (2020) Millie Bobby Brown as Enola Holmes in ‘Enola Holmes’. Alex Bailey/Netflix/Everett A long-neglected member of the Holmes family finally gets her story told. When Enola Holmes’ (Millie Bobby Brown) mother goes missing, she seeks help from crime-sleuthing brothers, Sherlock (Henry Cavill) and Mycroft (Sam Claflin), who are more concerned about her etiquette than her solving mysteries. So, Enola decides to break the mold and outsmart her brothers by finding her mother herself. Enola Holmes is a zany feminist reimagining of the Holmes canon, full of fourth-wall breaks that are perfectly executed by Brown, who EW’s critic describes as “cheeky and spritely in the role…[with] a self-possessed quality that grounds the performance.” —Madeline Cisneros Where to watch Enola Holmes: Netflix EW grade: B+ (read the review) Director: Harry Bradbeer Cast: Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, Sam Claflin, Helena Bonham Carter, Louis Partridge, Fiona Shaw, Susan Wokoma, Burn Gorman, Hattie Morahan, Frances de la Tour

07 of 18 Godzilla Minus One (2023) Kuranosuke Sasaki as Seiji Akitsu and Godzilla in ‘Godzilla Minus One’. Toho International/Courtesy Everett Collection Godzilla Minus One offers a little something for everyone, delivering monster movie thrills and an emotionally resonant story all at once. Set in Japan after World War II, the film centers on a former pilot who struggles with PTSD after failing to stop Godzilla from wreaking havoc on his Odo Island base. Years later, the guilt-ridden pilot is spurred to join the effort to stop the monster once and for all. EW’s critic ranks Minus One as the fourth-best Godzilla movie ever made, praising its blend of “sweeping blend of character-driven drama, maritime adventure, and kaiju mayhem” and calling it “popcorn entertainment at its best.” There’s a reason it became the first Godzilla movie to not only be nominated at the Oscars but to win, taking home the prize for Best Visual Effects. —K.J.

Where to watch Godzilla Minus One: Netflix Director: Takashi Yamazaki Cast: Ryunosuke Kamiki, Minami Hamabe, Yuki Yamada, Munetaka Aoki, Hidetaka Yoshioka, Sakura Ando, Kuranosuke Sasaki

08 of 18 The Half of It (2020) Leah Lewis as Ellie Chu and Daniel Diemer as Paul Munsky in ‘The Half of It’. KC Bailey/Netflix Shy Chinese American Ellie Chu (Leah Lewis) may not have any friends, but she does run a successful essay-writing business. When she gets an odd request from jock Paul Munsky (Daniel Diemer) to write a love letter for his crush, Ellie begrudgingly gives in — despite having feelings for the girl, too. As Ellie helps Paul, the two form an unlikely bond that includes watching late-night movies together and eating taco sausages. The Half of It is described by EW’s critic as an “examination of first love, and how our messy, well-intentioned attempts to do right by our own hearts can both wound and help us fumble toward the people we’re meant to be.” —M.C. Where to watch The Half of It: Netflix EW grade: B (read the review) Director: Alice Wu Cast: Leah Lewis, Daniel Diemer, Alexxis Lemire, Wolfgang Novogratz, Collin Chou, Catherine Curtin

09 of 18 I’m Still Here (2024) Selton Mello as Rubens Paiva and Fernanda Torres as Eunice Paiva with their onscreen children in ‘I’m Still Here’. Alile Onawale/Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics This moving Oscar-winning drama follows the struggles of real-life activist Eunice Paiva under the Brazilian dictatorship of the 1970s. Fernanda Torres plays Eunice as a steadfast, resilient wife and mother seeking answers about her politician husband’s disappearance. Her mission spans decades, but her resolve remains. I’m Still Here made history as the first Brazilian film to win the Oscar for Best International Feature and to be nominated for Best Picture. Torres also won a Golden Globe and scored an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. —K.J.

Where to watch I’m Still Here: Netflix Director: Walter Salles Cast: Fernanda Torres, Selton Mello, Fernanda Montenegro The 31 best Netflix original movies The 16 best PG movies on Netflix for kids and adults alike

10 of 18 Jurassic Park (1993) Sam Neill as Alan Grant, Joseph Mazzello as Tim Murphy, and Ariana Richards as Lex Murphy in ‘Jurassic Park’. Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection Few movies have ever rivaled the level of wonder and magic evoked when Laura Dern’s Ellie Sattler witnesses a dinosaur as John Williams’ majestic score swells in Jurassic Park. Steven Spielberg’s iconic blockbuster about a trio of scientists who investigate an island on which a business magnate has created a theme park of cloned dinosaurs will simply never be topped — no matter how many sequels Hollywood tries to spawn. After all, as Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) quips in the film, “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.” The 1993 original is thrilling, fear-inducing, and altogether entertaining thanks in part to the then-innovative visual effects that still hold up today. —K.J. Where to watch Jurassic Park: Netflix EW grade: (Read the review) Director: Steven Spielberg Cast: Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Richard Attenborough

14 of 18 Rustin (2023) (From left to right): Gus Halper as Tom, CCH Pounder as Dr. Anna Hedgeman, Colman Domingo as Bayard Rustin, Melissa Rakiro as Yvette, Ayana Workman as Eleanor, Lilli Kay as Rochelle, and Jordan-Amanda Hall as Charlene in ‘Rustin’. Netflix While Martin Luther King Jr. is a household name, his advisor — Bayard Rustin, who taught him the principles of nonviolent protest — has historically slipped through the cracks. Helmed by Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom director George C. Wolfe and produced by Michelle and Barack Obama, Rustin chronicles this unsung hero’s efforts to mobilize the 1973 March on Washington while also holding his own amid public scrutiny of his sexuality. Though this biopic follows a middle-of-the-road formula, Colman Domingo’s Academy Award-nominated portrayal of the gay civil rights activist is what truly sets the film apart. As EW’s critic wrote, “Domingo infuses Rustin with a warmth and vibrancy that creates a performance of immense empathy…. His portrait of a man fighting for both his race and his sexuality feels incredibly personal and helps hammer home Rustin’s commitment to true ‘justice for all.'” —J.M. Where to watch Rustin: Netflix EW grade: B (read the review) Director: George C. Wolfe Cast: Colman Domingo, Chris Rock, Jeffrey Wright, Glynn Turman, CCH Pounder, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Audra McDonald

As a born-and-bred Dubliner, I’ve spent most of my life trying to make sense of my hometown.

In this lively, lovely city, it’s true that you’ll get your bearings quickly as you realize that you can explore most of the compact center on foot. Yet spend a few days in Dublin and you’ll soon appreciate that there is much going on in this busy little town – and that to really understand the place, you’ll have to move here and spend the rest of your days figuring out its wonderful idiosyncrasies and multilayered sense of humor.

Before you consider that major life change, start with our roundup of pointers designed to smooth your introduction to a city that has the power to grab your imagination – and not let it go.

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Visitors on the campus of Trinity College, Dublin. Carlos Sanchez/Getty Images

1. Count on at least three days in Dublin

While Dublin is small for capital city, it will gladly take as much of your time as you can spare. You’ll need at least three days to even make a dent in the place. You should devote a whole day to a couple of major sights, such as Trinity College and the Guinness Storehouse. You’ll need another day to visit some of the city’s other brilliant attractions, like the Little Museum of Dublin, the Chester Beatty and the National Museum of Ireland (of its three Dublin locations, we’d recommend the archaeology branch). And a third day to sample some whiskey and visit either of the city’s iconic cathedrals.

A couple of days more will give you a chance to stretch your legs and get out into more of the city – such as the historic General Post Office and 14 Henrietta St on the northside. But you’ll have to build in some leisure time: after all, there are 800 pubs in the city, a fine selection of music venues and a handful of great theaters. And consider going further afield, on a day trip to Howth, for instance – or beyond.

2. Dublin is a casual kind of place – so pack accordingly

You can wear pretty much whatever you want in Dublin, with smart casual the dressiest dress code you’ll need (for fancy dinners, the theater or the concert hall). Even most work places like to keep it casual, since there’s a general perception in the city that dressing up is only for that special occasion – which work rarely is.

Irish summers are warm but rarely hot, so you’ll want an extra layer for when the temperatures cool, especially in the evening when the disappearing sun can make that day’s warmth feel like a distant memory.

Ultimately, the ever-changeable weather will determine your outfits. A light waterproof jacket (preferably with a hood, unless you’re carrying an umbrella) and waterproof shoes should never be beyond reach, as rain is almost inevitable.

A bus in Dublin. Use your Leap card to get around the city easily – and for less. Benoit Daoust/Shutterstock

4. Get a Leap card for use on public transport

If you’re planning on using public transport in Dublin, start by buying a Leap Card, which you can buy at any newsagent. You can then tap it to pay fares – discounted fares! – on buses, DART, the Luas light-rail system and commuter trains throughout the county. The Leap Visitor Card (one/three/seven days; €8/€16/€32 / US$8.70/17.40/36) provides unlimited travel on public transport. You can buy one in the city and at Dublin Airport, or order one online to have delivered to your home ahead of your trip.

You top up your card (there’s a minimum of €5) at newsagents; any Luas, DART and commuter rail machines; or by downloading the Leap Top-Up App (just hold the card to the back of the phone to top up, collect prepaid tickets and check your balance).

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If you’re using a regular Leap card rather than the Visitor Card, the TFI 90 Minute Fare applies to journeys made by Dublin Bus, Luas and most Dart trains. Any journey under 90 minutes (including transfer times) costs €2 (US$2.17). Note that for Luas, rail and DART services you’ll have to tap your card when you end your journey, in addition to when you begin it.

4. Take advantage of discount cards

A range of discount cards will save you money on attractions and transport. The GoCity All-Inclusive Pass (one to five days; €79–149 / US$86–162) gives you free entry to a bunch of top attractions, including the Guinness Storehouse, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, the Jameson Distillery Bow Street and the Big Bus Hop-on, Hop-off tour. For 25% off six top attractions, there’s the DoDublin Days Out Card (€55 / US$60).

In addition well as the Leap Card, you can score transport discounts with the DoDublin Freedom Ticket (€49 / US$53), a 72-hour travel pass that covers all public transport as well as a hop-on, hop-off tour.

5. Uber is not the best rideshare option in Dublin

There are plenty of taxis in Dublin – but they can be tough to find late at night, especially on weekends, when thousands of Dubliners are looking to head home to the suburbs after a night out. While Uber does operate in Dublin, it’s notably expensive. By far the most popular rideshare app is Freenow, which you can use to call a city taxi. There are taxi stands in the city center, but hailing them through the app is the preferred (and most convenient) option for most.

Like many Dublin museums, the National Gallery of Ireland is free to visit. Spiroview Inc/Shutterstock

6. Many of the city’s museums are free to visit

Most of the city’s larger cultural institutions are free to visit, including the National Museum of Ireland (which has three Dublin branches, though as of spring 2025 the Museum of Natural History is closed for renovations), the National Gallery, the Chester Beatty and the Dublin City Gallery–the Hugh Lane. (Note that certain exhibitions do require a paid ticket.) There are free tickets for the tours of Áras an Uachtharáin, the official residence of the Irish president in Phoenix Park; and and there is no charge to visit the Irish Museum of Modern Art in Kilmainham.

Smaller, privately owned museums charge a fee – but it’s rarely more than €10 (US$10.85), and you won’t need to book your ticket in advance.

7. Learn the ins and outs of Dublin dining

Dubliners rarely eat breakfast out, so you might struggle to find a decent spot for breakfast before 9am or 9:30am. The good news is that a decent cup of coffee is non-negotiable, so there are plenty of places open by 8am to cater to java-jonesing workers.

Discounted lunch specials are common, especially in the busy city center. Book tables at popular restaurants at least a few days in advance if you want to avoid disappointment or that dreaded 5:30pm slot. For the really fancy places, including those with Michelin stars, you’ll have to plan well in advance. Some (like Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud) will accommodate reservations no more than a month in advance; others (including Chapter One) take bookings three months in advance. Most tables are nabbed up pretty quickly – but if you miss out, you can join an online wait-list.

8. Dublin’s tap water is great

In restaurants, you should count on a carafe of Dublin’s safe, free and generally excellent tap water. (Some restaurants operate their own in-house filtration system, so for a euro or two, you might have your choice of still or sparkling tap water.) Same goes for filling your water bottle: tap is just fine – and spares you the personal and environmental costs of single-use vessels.

Performers at the Temple Bar in Dublin. Yohan LB/500px

9. In the pub, it’s all about the rounds system

Like the rest of the Irish, Dubliners put great store in conviviality and a generous spirit. And both of these qualities are embodied in the rounds system: if someone buys you a drink, you are obliged to buy them one in return.

Embracing this practice is a great way to get to know Dubliners. Strike up a conversation, then, at the appropriate moment (ie when they’re just about to finish their drink), ask what they’re “having.” Before you know it, you’ll be multiple drinks and conversations deep into a blossoming friendship.

Needless to say, you don’t have to take part in buying rounds. But if you want to understand the social glue that binds people together in Dublin, there are few better ways than raising a few glasses with them.

10. Dublin’s nightlife will cost you

Dubliners love a good night out – and pay handsomely for the privilege. A pint of beer will run you €7–10 (US$7.60–10.85), higher than anywhere else in Ireland. Keep an eye out on pubs that sneakily raise the price of a pint later in the night, presumably when punters are too…distracted to notice. It’s illegal to charge a price other than what is indicated; if it happens, your best reaction is to complain and leave. Since happy hour promotions are illegal in Ireland, many Dubliners will have a few drinks at home before heading out, usually between 9 and 10pm.

Licensing laws are stricter in Dublin than in almost any other European capital. Pubs can serve alcohol only until 11:30pm Monday to Thursday, 12:30am Friday and Saturday, and 11pm on Sunday. Many premises apply for special exemption orders, which allows them to serve until 2:30am, usually on the weekends. Nightclubs can go until 3am, but in a lot of venues there’s barely a distinction between a huge pub that turns up the music really loudly and a dedicated club for dancing.

11. Learn to take a “slagging” among friends

For the most part, Dubliners are an informal and easygoing lot who don’t stand on excessive ceremony and generally prefer not to make too much fuss. That doesn’t mean that they don’t abide by certain rules, or that there isn’t a preferred way of doing things here. But the transgressions of the unknowing are both quickly forgiven and even enjoyed. And the accidental faux pas is a great source of entertainment in a city that has made “slagging“ (teasing) a veritable art form.

Indeed, slagging is a far more reliable indicator of the strength of friendship than virtually any kind of compliment – and a fast, self-deprecating wit plus an ability to take a joke in good spirits will win you plenty of friends. Mind you, even slagging has its hidden codes, and is only acceptable among friends. For even in Dublin, it wouldn’t do at all to follow an introduction to someone by making fun of them.

Revelers at Dublin’s Pride Festival. Agnieszka Pas / Shutterstock

12. LGBTIQ+ travelers are most welcome in Dublin

Dublin has a pretty vibrant LGBTIQ+ scene, with some well-established bars and club nights as well as group clubs for such activities as hiking and sea swimming. The best-known gay bar in town is The George on South Great George’s St, followed by Pantibar, which is owned by renowned activist and drag queen Rory O’Neill (aka Panti Bliss). The second-biggest celebration in the city after St Patrick’s Day, June’s Pride Festival is a raucous festival of color and fun that runs over five days. August sees GAZE International LGBTQIA Film Festival, while the International Gay Theatre Festival usually takes place in May.

13. Dublin is generally a safe city, with good health care

Health and safety should not be an issue during a visit to Dublin. Pharmacies selling basic medication are numerous, and crime is not a major concern. Taking normal precautions (such as keeping an eye on belongings in crowds) should be sufficient as you explore. O’Connell St and the streets immediately around it can get a little shady after dark, so keep your wits about you.

By: Richard J. Chung, MD, FAAP

If your teenage child is dealing with anxiety, depression or any other mental health concern right now, you’re not alone. More than three years after the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) joined with other organizations to declare a national emergency in youth mental health, many teens are still struggling.

Still, you may wonder whether the symptoms are part of the biological and social changes all young people go through on their way to adulthood, or something more. As a parent or caregiver, how do you know when to talk with your teen and their doctor about mental health?

Read on to learn more about teen mental health, including signs your child is struggling and may need more support.

You can also visit the AAP YouTube channel for a series of videos for teens on mental health. The videos address topics including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, self-harm and other topics. Share with someone you care about:

Pressures teens face

Youth mental health experts raised concerns about the extreme pressures on children and teens during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet the lasting effects of school closures and other COVID-related stressors are not the only factors in teen stress. Many young people are also dealing with:

Overwhelming pressure to figure out their future, get good grades or gain admission to elite colleges and universities

The need to be superstars in sports, the performing arts or other extracurriculars

Tough schedules that don’t allow enough time for self-care such as rest, relaxation and unstructured fun

Bullying (whether in person, via social media in the form of cyberbullying, or both)

Persistent fears about climate change, global conflict and other weighty issues

Discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, weight, religion, disability or other factors

Problems related to a poverty or lack of money for safe, stable housing and enough nutritious food

How will I know if my teen is struggling?

The mental health symptoms you might see in your child will, of course, be unique to them. But as a parent or caregiver, you have a good sense of what their “normal” looks like.

Signs your teen may be having mental health difficulties

In addition to more overt symptoms like mood swings, irritability, anger and tearfulness, you may see:

Notable changes in sleep, weight, eating habits or other everyday patterns

Loss of interest in the things they usually love or quitting activities that they enjoy

Withdrawing more than usual from friends, family and community

Canceling plans with their closest friends with little or no explanation

Academic struggles that seem different or more intense: for example, failing quizzes in their favorite subject or refusing to do homework that once would have seemed easy

Running thoughts or worries that won’t leave them alone

A whole new set of friends you’ve never met before

Refusing to talk about what’s bothering them, even after you’ve made it as safe as possible to discuss hard issues openly

Obsession with a certain goal, possibly with the belief that if they don’t achieve it, their life will never be the same

Signs of drug, alcohol or other substance use

Signs of self-harm such as cuts, burns, bruises, etc. that your teen tries to hide or can’t explain fully and credibly

Sexual activity or interest that seems new or more intense than before

Keep in mind that having just one symptom on this list doesn’t mean your teen is experiencing a full-blown crisis. Biological changes, including the hormone shifts all tweens and teens go through, can affect your child’s mood, school performance and more. But if you consistently see one or more of these signs, it’s time to open a conversation about mental health with your teen.

What mental health conditions are most common for teens?

Young people face pretty much the same array of mental health challenges that adults do. However, these are the most common mental health conditions seen in U.S. tweens and teens:

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) affects nearly 10% of all U.S. kids aged 3 to 17.

Nearly 9.5% experience anxiety that interferes with their everyday functioning.

Around 4.5% live with depression. In teens, depression may or may not look like the stereotyped tearful blues. Symptoms of depression can sometimes look more like anger/irritability.

Though they are less common, eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa can cause major health problems for teens and young adults. Self-harm,thought to be underreported, is another serious concern for tweens and teens.

Are drinking and drugs part of the problem?

Substance use is very common among teens. It can combine with mental health issues (and in most cases, making them worse).

Around 15% of all high-school students say they have used street drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, inhalants, heroin, meth, hallucinogens or MDMA (also called ecstasy or molly). Some 14% report they have misused prescription opioids. Nearly 30% say they’ve tried alcohol and 14% admit to binge drinking. A frightening 17% got into a car driven by someone who had been drinking, exposing them to a whole new level of danger.

Substance use is a concern all its own—one you should definitely discuss with your teen, even if you don’t see signs of mental health issues. But noticing it alongside mental health symptoms raises extra concern. Drinking and drugs are often used to cope with difficult feelings or circumstances. This can signal deep emotional pain that needs to be addressed.

What role does social media play?

Young people spend a lot of time on sites such as Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and others. One study found that 90% of teens aged 13 to 18 use multiple platforms, with more than 60% engaging with social media every day.

We are still learning about the ways social media can affect human health, especially among children and teens. Healthy use of social media can foster positive connections. However, some young people may face greater risks for negative effects. See “Social Media & Your Child’s Mental Health: What the Research Says” for insights that can help you consider social media’s impact on your child.

How can I open conversations with my child?

Here are some points to consider as you open the door to discussing your teen’s mental health. Ideally, this should be a a series of ongoing conversations and “check ins” that you have with your child. This can help support your child’s mental health and also give you a foundation for times your child may be struggling more and need more problem-focused support.

Make it safe for your child to discuss tough issues with you. Kids often avoid talking about touchy subjects, especially if they expect to be judged, lectured or punished. If you haven’t already made this clear, affirm that your teen can tell you anything. Emphasize that these conversations will take place in a judgment-free zone. Explain that you want to understand what they’re going through and provide loving support.

Resolve to listen more than you speak. Nothing will send your teen running the other way faster than failing to see and hear them fully. You will need to manage your own fears during the conversation so you can avoid autobiographical listening. This happens when you filter everything through your own life lens instead of listening for deep understanding.

Consider ways to avoid putting your teen on the defensive. Naturally, you can’t be sure how they will react when you ask about their mental health. But fair, factual statements are usually best. Instead of saying, “You’ve been acting really strange these past few weeks,” you could start with an example: “I noticed you hate coming down to dinner lately – and you don’t seem hungry at other times. I wondered if something in your life is making it hard for you to enjoy stuff you usually love, like my killer oatmeal cookies.”

Accept some silence. Your child might not know what to say at first, especially if they’ve been trying to hide how they’re feeling or manage things on their own. People having mental health struggles often feel shame and fear on top of everything else. This can make it hard to open up to anyone (even someone they trust). Explain that even though you’re worried, you can wait for them to think about what they’d like you to know. If they don’t come back to you on their own, try restarting the conversation in a few days.

Realize that mental health stigma still exists. Despite much progress, some people still believe that having a mental health condition means someone is broken, untrustworthy or potentially violent. In fact, many don’t seek mental health treatment because they’re afraid of what others will think of them. If you’re concerned about the harm stigma can do to your teen, this article may help.

What to remember about mental health as you move forward

Mental health is a key part of human health. Parents and teens do not need to feel ashamed or fearful in seeking treatment. It’s no different from getting care for a broken bone, a serious infection or any other major health concern.

Try not to blame yourself for your child’s struggles. Life is hard, and kids are doing the best they can to manage the pressures they face (just as you are, too). Show compassion for yourself and your child as you move forward.

Even if you have a history of mental health issues yourself, you are not the root cause of your child’s difficulties. Showing love, trust and respect for yourself and your teen is the healthiest way to ensure you both find the resources you need.

How can our pediatrician support us?

Your pediatrician cares about your child’s health and has helped many other parents and caregivers with mental health concerns. Your pediatrician also knows about local resources you can tap to support your teen, now and throughout the healing process.

Pediatricians can explain treatment options, including medications that might help. They can also refer you to mental health specialists who can evaluate your teen. In this way, your pediatrician will become part of a care team that can help you create a treatment plan, as well as a crisis plan that spells out what you will do if things get worse for your child.

What if my teen is having thoughts of suicide?

Suicidal thoughts or actions should NEVER be ignored. If your teen is in crisis right now, call The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or text ‘TALK” to 741741. Trained lifeline staff will help you figure out immediate steps to protect your child.

If your teen is thinking about suicide but not in crisis, it’s still vitally important to get help. Call your child’s pediatrician or mental health provider right away to find resources and plan for appropriate treatment and support.

If you’re concerned you might be missing the warning signs of suicide, here is an article that may help.

Proactively promote mental health & self-care

Also keep in mind that mental health is not just about responding to problems. It is important to promote positive mental health and resilience in everyday, proactive ways.

Even if your teen is doing fine, help them find time for self care and mood-boosting healthy habits. Make time to enjoy each other as a family. Positive activities and relationships can have a protective, “scaffolding” effect on mental health.

We all have good days and bad days, just as days when we feel healthier than other times. Mental health should stay on our radar; promoting it should be among our day-to-day goals.

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