Teens need to be heard, valued and learn relationship skills for success
Research shows the importance of adolescents developing relationship and communication skills to support their mental health. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services highlights that healthy adolescent relationships are built on mutual trust, honesty, good communication, and understanding, which are essential for emotional well-being.
The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes that key relationship skills—including compromising, negotiation, conflict resolution, and setting boundaries—are crucial for youth to engage positively and safely in partner relationships. Additionally, strong peer relationships have been linked to better social and emotional functioning, as well as overall adolescent well-being.
These findings suggest that fostering effective communication and relationship skills is vital for adolescents' mental health and development.
