Lucy Foulkes, an Oxford academic psychologist and author of 'Coming of Age', joins journalist Pandora Sykes to discuss the complexities of adolescent mental health. They challenge stereotypes about teenage behavior, emphasizing the role of social dynamics and the importance of personal experiences. Foulkes highlights the value of teenage love in shaping identity and addresses the challenges of sleep deprivation and social media. The conversation reveals how navigating popularity and peer pressure is crucial during these formative years.

Mental health awareness campaigns have reduced stigma and changed attitudes to mental illness, but has the messaging also led to unintended consequences? With the help of a panel consisting of mental health campaigner James Downs, the former director of Time to Change England Sue Baker, psychologist and author Lucy Foulkes and Katja Pavlovna of the Lives not Labels (sorry my mental illness isn't sexy enough for you) website, bring their own experiences of mental health problems and expertise in their fields to debate with Claudia the nuanced implications around increasing awareness and what they would like to see in the future.

Lucy Foulkes, an academic psychologist from Oxford and author of 'Coming of Age', teams up with journalist Pandora Sykes to dive into the teenage mental health crisis. They explore how adolescence is a pivotal time shaped by peer pressure, social media, and risk-taking. Foulkes argues against blanket smartphone bans, suggesting that experiencing challenges is vital for development. They also discuss the impact of pornography on teens' perceptions of sex and the need for open dialogue around sexual education, highlighting the confusion surrounding extreme content.

Lucy Foulkes, an adolescent psychologist and author, dives into how teenage years sculpt our identities. She discusses the 'reminiscence bump' and why certain rebellious behaviors, like underage drinking, persist across generations. Foulkes highlights the significance of peer influence on emotional well-being and the complexity of adolescent risk-taking, stressing that these choices aren't merely impulsive. Parents are offered strategies to navigate this tumultuous period, balancing independence with the need for guidance in their teens' lives.

In this insightful discussion, adolescent psychologist Lucy Foulkes delves into how our teenage years shape our identities. She explores the emotional complexities and social dynamics of adolescence, emphasizing the importance of peer relationships and risk-taking in self-discovery. Foulkes also highlights the significance of parental guidance in navigating this tumultuous phase. Additionally, she addresses the critical issue of bullying, advocating for empathy and intervention to create supportive environments in schools. Her insights are sure to resonate with both parents and young people alike.