The Hidden Damage of Social Media Drama

The Hidden Damage of Social Media Drama

Author: Mark Gregston June 8, 2026 Duration: 26:36

What happens when social media turns everyday teenage drama into nonstop emotional pressure? In this episode, Mark, Wayne Shepherd and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur discuss the emotional toll of mean girls, online bullying, gossip, exclusion and comparison culture. You’ll hear practical insight on helping daughters navigate insecurity, friendship struggles and the pressure to fit in — while creating a home that feels safe, affirming and supportive. Plus, a Heartlight teen shares her story of addiction, self-hatred, healing and learning to see hope for her future again. Tune in for an honest conversation about helping teens face social pressure without losing themselves in the process.

It’s hard enough for kids during the awkward teen years, but what if your child struggles socially more than typical peers? Find help here: bit.ly/raising-socially-awkward-teens


Raising a teenager can feel like navigating uncharted territory every single day. Parenting Today's Teens is here to walk that path with you, offering a steady voice amid the chaos. Mark Gregston brings more than four decades of direct experience working with families to each conversation, translating complex adolescent behaviors into understandable insights. You’ll hear honest discussions about defiance, screen time, emotional withdrawal, and the search for identity, all framed with a perspective that is both pragmatic and hopeful. This isn’t about quick fixes or perfect formulas; it’s about building a lasting, authentic connection with your teen even when it’s difficult. Mark’s approach is grounded in real-world application, offering strategies you can consider and adapt the very same day. The podcast draws from a well of wisdom that respects the spiritual and personal growth of the entire family, recognizing that parenting a teen often means revisiting your own beliefs and reactions. Tune in for a resource that feels like a thoughtful conversation with a trusted guide, one that acknowledges the struggles while consistently pointing toward practical solutions and renewed understanding for the modern parent.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Parenting Today's Teens
Podcast Episodes
How to Get Your Teen to Actually Listen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:17
Do your conversations with your teen turn into debates, shutdowns or eye rolls? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur explore why teens often resist opinions, but still deeply need your w…
Relationship Is Your Greatest Legacy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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What will your teen remember most about you years from now? In this episode, Mark shares a devotional on legacy, influence and the power of relationship. While many parents focus on rules, performance or getting everythi…
Teen Stories: From Hiding Hurt to Finding Healing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:38
Pushing parents away or being disrespectful usually isn’t about just being rebellious. Sometimes, it’s a defense — a way to survive when trust has been broken or home life feels like a battleground. In today’s episode, M…
When Your Teen Doesn’t Want to Go to School [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:30
Is school only about grades — or is there something more important your teen is learning there? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur explore the bigger purpose of school. From social dev…
What Your Teen Needs Most from You, Dad [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:37
What kind of impact does a father really have on a teen’s life? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur talk about the unique and powerful role dads play in shaping their teens’ identity, c…
A Parent’s Greatest Challenge [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:46
Are you trying to guide your teen? Or just frustrated by the culture they’re growing up in? In this episode, Mark shares what may be the greatest challenge parents face today: staying connected in a rapidly changing worl…
Teen Stories: The Battle to Be Understood [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:10
Behind every broken rule or secret kept, there’s often a story of a teen who just wants to be seen. In today’s episode, Mark sits down with two young ladies at Heartlight who open up about their struggles with honesty, t…
Raising Socially Awkward Teens [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:57
Is your teen struggling to connect with others or retreating into screens instead of real relationships? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur talk about what’s behind social awkwardness…