The Teen Mental Health Checklist Every Parent Needs 📋

A recent analysis of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study used machine‑learning to predict teenagers’ mental health. The surprise? Brain scans were less useful than social factors. Family conflict and reputational bullying were the strongest predictors of current and future problems. Below is a simple checklist to help you spot risks early and create a healthier environment.

Ready to act? Tick off each item as you go:

• [ ] Listen for frequent arguing at home — chronic conflict wounds.
• [ ] Watch for reputational damage at school — online or in person.
• [ ] Ask about peer relationships — isolation is a red flag.
• [ ] Assess sleep patterns — poor sleep escalates stress.
• [ ] Notice changes in appetite or hobbies — subtle mood cues.
• [ ] Encourage open conversation — feeling heard builds resilience.
• [ ] Seek support early — counseling prevents long‑term harm.

Ready? Print this and keep it handy. Empowering your teen starts with paying attention to what matters most—their daily environment.

#MicDrop Sometimes the most powerful medicine is listening.