Helping Teens Face Problematic People Without Fear

Not long ago, something surprising happened at a college in England. A politics teacher showed videos of former U.S. President Donald Trump during a classroom discussion on the 2024 election. The backlash? He was reported to authorities, accused of potentially causing “emotional harm,” and essentially forced out of his job.

Whether you like or loathe the figure in question, the real story here isn’t about politics. It’s about the power of public figures, how their presence shapes and even shakes us. It’s also about what we’re teaching our kids to do when they come face to face with people they don’t like or can’t ignore.

Because they will. Whether it’s in a podcast, a protest, a playlist, or a political debate, our kids are already seeing controversial voices. The real question is: Are we helping them know how to respond?

Kids Already Know Controversial People Exist

The temptation to shield our teens from disturbing voices is real and understandable. But the truth is, they already know.

They’ve seen the headlines. They’ve watched the viral clips. Whether it’s a problematic pop star or a polarizing politician, our kids are encountering these people. The question isn’t whether they’ll see them, but whether we’ll help them process what they’re seeing.

When we acknowledge difficult people and ideas, we build trust. We say, “You’re not alone in noticing this,” and we open space for reflection, not just reaction. That’s how discernment grows.

How Conversations Build Discernment

When Wayne took a group of students to talk with protesters during the Occupy Wall Street movement, something powerful happened. Teens saw that not everyone who disagreed with them was dangerous. They also saw how cultural narratives can carry different weight depending on proximity.

That experience, guided, safe, intentional, wasn’t about politics. It was about resilience.

Dr. Kathy emphasizes that when we talk about real people and real issues with our kids, we’re not creating anxiety; we’re helping them process it. We're offering our presence as a steady voice in a noisy world.

But What If We Go Too Far?

Some parents worry: What if I introduce something too soon? What if I say too much?

It’s a valid fear. Kids process differently. Some are sensitive and internalize stress. Others react with emotion and then shut down. So what do we do if we’ve stepped over a line?

We apologize. We check in later. We pray together. And we listen without trying to fix.

Sometimes the most healing thing a parent can say is, “I’m sorry. I should’ve helped you prepare for that conversation. Can we talk about it again?”

When kids hear that, trust grows. And their ability to process big ideas with emotional safety strengthens.

Let Your Kids See Who Influences You

Here’s something surprising: Your kids care about who’s shaping you.

You might think your podcast picks or book lists, but they don’t. The people you respect often become conversation starters in your home.

When you talk about who’s influencing you, and why, you model something essential: Teachability.

You show your child what it looks like to seek truth, ask questions, stay curious, and admit when something challenges your thinking.

And when you invite your teen into that process, you’re not just talking about the news; you’re building a culture of dialogue. You’re saying: It’s okay to disagree. It’s okay to grow.

Faithful Exposure Builds Wisdom

Remember Daniel in the Bible? As a teen, he was immersed in Babylon's culture, its politics, its religion, and even its dreams. And God didn’t protect him by isolating him. He trained him to discern.

Our kids need that kind of exposure, not to everything, but to enough of the real world that they learn to think clearly, listen carefully, and speak graciously.

Better they wrestle with complex ideas under your roof, with your guidance, than be thrown into the world later without a filter or foundation.

Because when teens face the dark with light, they learn to shine.

Help Your Kids Grow with the 8 Great Smarts

• Word Smart
  Read an article together about a public figure. Then talk through what was said, and what wasn’t.

• Logic Smart
  Help your teen ask questions: “Why is this person controversial?” “What do different people believe about this issue?”

• Picture Smart
  Create a mind map or timeline of someone’s influence, visually showing their rise, impact, and public response

• Music Smart
  Listen to lyrics by an artist in the spotlight. Discuss what’s being said, and what message it sends.

• Body Smart
  Act out a conversation between two different viewpoints. Let your teen physically step into each role to feel the differences.

• Nature Smart
  Take a walk while discussing a tough topic. Movement and nature often open the door todeeper reflection.

• People Smart
  Practice debating in love. Let your teen learn how to speak clearly and listen kindly, even when they disagree.

• Self Smart
  Ask your teen privately: “What do you think?” Give them space to journal or process internally before sharing it out loud.

Remember: Brave parenting doesn’t mean having all the answers.
It means showing up with humility and honesty, guiding your kids through the noise with truth and trust.