The Teenage Years - Resources For Parents

Parenting teenagers can be challenging and many parents find times when it is hard to adapt to changes in their child as they grow up. This page has some resources that parents might find useful.

We have developed a personal wellbeing education programme (see below) that is intended to help children come to terms with the challenges that are presented as they go through puberty and into teenage life.

However, we know that many parents also value any information that can help them support their child at difficult times. We, therefore, have an area within the parent dashboard on FROG, our learning platform, which contains a wealth of practical advice and guidance to parents. This includes:

• Online safety. You don’t need to be an expert on the internet to help keep your child safe online. The online safety resources on FROG include tips, advice and guides to help you support your child to use the internet safely, responsibly and positively. Remember, as a parent or carer you play a key role in helping your child to stay safe online when they are not in school.
• Alcohol, smoking and drugs. Some teens may be tempted to experiment with alcohol, drugs or smoking and as a parent that can feel frightening. Learn about what’s out there, how to spot problems and how to talk to your teen if you’re worried.
• Mental health. Mood swings are normal in teenagers but if your teen is coping with something more serious, FROG has advice on how to spot signs of depression, anxiety, obsessive behaviour or self-harm and what you can do to help.
• Sex and relationships. Talking to your teen about sex or who they’re dating can feel awkward. We provide support and advice on tackling everything from sexuality to breakups.
• Bereavements. Unfortunately, many children go through the pain of losing someone close to them and parents often find it difficult to support their child through this. The resources on FROG suggest ways you might support your child.

E-Safety - a Particular Concern

The safety and well being of a child whilst using a device such as a smartphone or a tablet (such as an iPad), is something that many parents will have concerns about at some point in their child’s life.

Parents hear harrowing stories of children who have been groomed or harassed whilst using seemingly innocent social media applications or gaming sites. This inevitably leads many parents to question their own role in protecting their child from such dangers.

A very simple e-safety parent advice leaflet is available to download below. However, this leaflet is only intended to be an introduction and will not necessarily provide the level of advice and support a parent may need. We strongly recommend that parents visit the Student Health and Wellbeing page on the parent dashboard within FROG for further advice.

Download our e-safety advice for parents leaflet

Our Personal Wellbeing Programme

Sedgefield Community College prides itself on the high standard of its Personal Wellbeing Programme delivered to students through fortnightly SMSC (Social, Moral, Spiritual, Cultural) lessons.

Our Personal Wellbeing Programme is planned by staff who undertake regular training to ensure they have the most up-to-date knowledge.  Students themselves help to shape the programme through focus groups and consultations.  The expertise of external agencies is drawn upon, where appropriate, to provide our students with specialist knowledge.

The progamme our students follow is age-appropriate and progressive, so each year students build upon previous knowledge.

Please note: FROG links to agencies and third parties; however, we are not responsible for the availability or content on these linked sites. These sites are intended for information purposes only. Parents are advised that should they have any concerns regarding a child then they should seek advice from the family doctor. FROG provides links to different websites, helplines and resources and they have been checked to make sure they are suitable at the time of publication. However, things change on the internet and we cannot be held responsible for anything on external sites. Listing them does not mean endorsement or recommendation.