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The Jordan Harbinger Show

1091: Troubled Teen Industry | Skeptical Sunday

Dec 15, 2024
Meg Appelgate, CEO of Unsilenced and a survivor of the troubled teen industry, shares her eye-opening experiences in a system that affects over 120,000 youth annually. She discusses the deceptive marketing tactics used to ensnare vulnerable teens and critiques the severe practices rooted in historical trauma. The conversation also highlights the long-term psychological scars that such interventions leave, emphasizing the need for reform and the importance of nurturing support systems for adolescents.
55:16

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The Troubled Teen Industry, a $23 billion system, exploits vulnerable youth through deceptive practices that culminate in systemic abuse and neglect.
  • Historical roots of the Troubled Teen Industry reveal alarming practices likened to prisoner brainwashing, raising serious ethical and legal concerns about its operations.

Deep dives

The Troubled Teen Industry Overview

The troubled teen industry consists of a network of programs and facilities claiming to help adolescents facing various challenges, from behavioral issues to social dynamics. Such programs often utilize extreme measures, which can include involuntary transport of teens from their homes, raising questions about their legality. Many parents, feeling desperate to address their child's struggles, may resort to these programs believing they provide authentic help. However, the effectiveness of these facilities is often overshadowed by alarming reports of abuse and neglect within their operations.

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