EP 10 - Connect with Teens in Social Media Era

Welcome to another episode of Parenting Untapped!

In this honest and eye-opening conversation, Aly and Tony dive into one of the biggest challenges modern parents face — connecting with teens in a world dominated by social media. From Snapchat streaks and TikTok algorithms to screen-time battles and generational disconnects, this episode pulls back the curtain on how social platforms shape teen identity, relationships, and daily life.

Through candid back-and-forth between a teen and her parent, this episode explores why social media feels essential to teens, why it frustrates parents, and how both sides often feel misunderstood. With humor, vulnerability, and real-life examples, Aly explains the pressure, habits, and emotional pull of apps like Snapchat and TikTok, while Tony shares the parental instinct to protect, guide, and sometimes control.

Together, they unpack how algorithms influence behavior, how “streaks” create invisible pressure, and why social media is more than just entertainment — it’s a space where teens escape, learn, connect, and form identity.

In this episode:

• How Snapchat streaks work — and why teens feel pressured to keep them
• Why parents struggle to understand teen social media habits
• TikTok’s algorithm and how it shapes emotions, identity, and behavior
• The fine line between protecting teens and controlling them
• How screen-time limits impact trust and communication
• Why teens use social media to escape stress and emotions
• How parents can connect without judgment or dismissal
• Turning social media from a battleground into a bridge

Whether you’re a parent trying to understand your teen’s digital world, a teen who feels unheard, or someone navigating family dynamics in the social media era, this episode offers clarity, empathy, and practical insight.

🎧 Tune in to Parenting Untapped — where real conversations help parents and teens connect in a digital world.