Teens often say offensive things. So how do adults set healthy boundaries without losing connection?

Teens often push boundaries with sarcasm, edgy jokes, or language that makes adults pause—but what does it actually mean?

In this episode of the Teen Life Podcast, we unpack why teens use humor to test identity, gain social approval, and navigate belonging.

More importantly, we explore how adults can respond in ways that build connection and empathy instead of escalating the moment.

If you’ve ever wondered whether a comment is “just a joke” or something more, this conversation will give you clarity and practical tools to respond with confidence.

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In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

• Casey, Jones & Hare (2008) – The Adolescent Brain

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2475802/
• Center for Teen and Parent Communication: Developing Adolescent Identity
• LIH: Does Humor Explain Why Relationally Aggressive Adolescents Are Popular?
• Parents: How Can I Get My Child to Be Serious When They Need to Be?
• Lisa Damour, PHD: Should I Let My Kid Use Swear Words?
• The New York Times: What Teenagers Are Saying About Cursing
• Teen Life Podcast: Identity Formation

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Visit our website: www.teenlifepodcast.com

Subscribe to get the episodes in your inbox: www.teenlife.ngo/subscribe

Watch the podcast on ⁠YouTube⁠!

Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

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Podcast Music by: Luke Cabrera & Tobin Hodges

Hosted by: Karlie Duke, Caleb Hatchett & Tobin Hodges

Produced by: Karlie Duke & Kelly Fann

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In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

• PsychologyToday: Why More Kids Are Starting Puberty Earlier Than Ever Before
• JAMA: Social Media Use and Depressive Symptoms During Early Adolescence
• Elsevier: Addictive Digital Habits in Early Adolescence Linked to Mental Health Struggles, Study Finds
• Pediatrics Nationwide: As Suicide Increases in Preteens, Investigators Expand Research into Causes and Prevention
• Washington Post: New study shows social media use predicted future depression in tweens
• Wait Until 8th

Teen Life Podcast:

- Helping Teens Build Real Life Coping Skills

- Teen Boundaries That Work

- Setting Realistic Tech Boundaries

- First Cell Phone Advice

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Visit our website: www.teenlifepodcast.com

Subscribe to get the episodes in your inbox: www.teenlife.ngo/subscribe

Watch the podcast on ⁠YouTube⁠!

Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

.

.

Podcast Music by: Luke Cabrera & Tobin Hodges

Hosted by: Karlie Duke, Caleb Hatchett & Tobin Hodges

Produced by: Karlie Duke & Kelly Fann

Teen brains aren’t broken — they’re under construction.

Geek out with Karlie over brain development and learn what’s actually happening inside.

You'll learn why mood swings and risky choices make sense, and most importantly, practical ways parents, teachers, and mentors can support healthy growth.

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In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

- PMC: Maturation of the adolescent brain

- NIHM: The Teen Brain: 7 Things to Know

- Rockwood Go Karts

- Teen Life Podcast: Digital Lives with Sarah Brooks | Real World Coping Skills | Sleep

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Visit our website: www.teenlifepodcast.com

Subscribe to get the episodes in your inbox: www.teenlife.ngo/subscribe

Watch the podcast on ⁠YouTube⁠!

Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

.

.

Podcast Music by: Luke Cabrera & Tobin Hodges

Hosted by: Karlie Duke, Caleb Hatchett & Tobin Hodges

Produced by: Karlie Duke & Kelly Fann