Inspirational TED Talks for Teens

Inspirational TED Talks can be great for anyone, but teenagers, in particular can really benefit from these 18-minute or less talks that can cover almost any topic. Teen years are hard slogging and watching them struggle sometimes as parents is so challenging.

If you can remember your teen years, you’ll probably easily recall the angst and fear and general uncertainty. Right now, that angst and anxiety is running even higher for most because of the pandemic. That’s where inspirational TED Talks come in.

Inspirational TED Talks to Ease the Teen Years

From zits and breakups to proms and makeups, the teen years are arguably some of the hardest anyone will ever go through mentally. Although from an outside perspective, the problems of a teen may seem trivial, when experienced through the lens of raging hormones, they feel like life and death on a daily basis.

That’s why I think these TED Talks can be so transformative for teens. While we parents might not always be able to convince our teens that we understand what they’re going through, inspirational TED Talks can. These talks are all about listening, not speaking. Our teens have to reveal nothing to take away powerful lessons and ideas.

The Power of Introverts

The Power of Introverts is all about the idea that everyone is amazing in their own way, whether they’re a social butterfly or a wallflower. This TED Talk is a powerful one if you have a child who isn’t comfortable being in the spotlight.

Looks Aren’t Everything. Believe Me, I’m a Model

One of the hardest things for many teen girls is body image. With so many messages out there telling teen girls they have to look a certain way to be of any value, this TED Talk could not be more important.

High School Stories

We always tell our kids they don’t know how good they have it, but it’s nice to let them hear it from another source. High School Stories is one of my favorite inspirational TED Talks on this list because it reminds teens that no matter how bad what they’re facing seems, it’s not truly that bad. It also encourages them to go out and be vehicles for positive change in the world.

Questions Every Teenager Needs to be Asked

This makes my list of inspirational TED Talks for teens because its one that benefits both teenagers and their parents. We all know that communication is key to our relationship with our kids, but do we really know how to do it?

Questions Every Teenager Needs to be Asked focuses on helping teens realize that their dreams are within reach, and that they have what it takes to make them a reality.

Why I Don’t Use a Smartphone

Who can remember a time before smartphones? In fact, Why I Don’t Use a Smartphone is probably one of my favourite inspirational TED Talks for teenagers. Why? Because it addresses the fact that you can lead a fulfilling life without having your head stuck in a smart device every second of every day.

This talk focuses on the world outside of the screen and what it has to offer people who are willing to look past their Tumblr, Tik Tok and Twitter.

Everyday Leadership

Everyday Leadership is a TED Talk that focuses on how teens can spread positivity every day. Small acts of kindness turn into big changes in the world around us if we’re consistent. It’s an uplifting talk with a lot of heart.

The Danger of a Single Story

The Danger of a Single Story is one of the most important TED Talks that any teen can listen to. When we’re teenagers we often view the world in the version that we understand, never realizing, or caring at times, that there could be another angle in which to view the world.

This TED Talk is all about how your story and my story may be part of the same book but they take vastly different courses. It’s an important lesson in refusing to be ignorant of the world.

What Adults can Learn From Kids

This is one of the greats when it comes to inspirational TED talks for teens, and that’s mainly because it focuses on something that every teen has said at least once in their lives: “You never listen to me.”

I said it to my Mom, and I’m sure my parents said it too. My own kids have said it to me too many times. What Adults Can Learn From Kids is an important lesson for adults to learn, and when we listen to our teens it lifts them up.

How Frustration Can Make Us More Creative

Finally, How Frustration can Make Us More Creative is possibly one of the most inspirational TED talks I’ve listed here. As I’ve said in the past, both of my daughters have special needs, and both are extremely creative.

This TED talk really spoke to me and my teens, as well. When you live with special needs, whether that’s autism, FASD, or anxiety disorder and learning disabilities, frustration can and does become a part of your daily life. The idea of turning it into a positive really lit a fire in my heart.

Inspirational TED Talks to Motivate and Educate Your Teen

These inspirational TED talks are great ones to share with teens. These talks are full of heart and passion. They help our kids look at the world a little bit differently.

I think every teen can benefit from watching these inspirational TED Talks, and I hope you’ll encourage your teen to watch.