How To Develop Self-Advocacy Skills in Teens

Self-Advocacy is Important  

Self-advocacy is knowing when to speak up and sharing your thoughts, feelings, and ideas, whether something feels wrong or right. It’s a key part of growing up, especially for teens, as it helps build confidence, use their voice, and make smart choices. Self-advocacy skills can also help teens strengthen their relationships, academic performance, and prepare them for adulthood.  

For Black teens, developing self-advocacy is particularly important because it helps them handle unique challenges like racial discrimination, teaching them to speak up for their rights and well-being. Parents can help coach their teens in developing self-advocacy through modeling, teaching problem-solving skills, and supporting their independence. 

Teaching Self-Advocacy

Parents can be intentional about creating opportunities for teens to see self-advocacy by modeling it themselves. This can be done by showing teens how to express emotions using phrases like “I think,” “I feel,” or “I need.” Parents could also illustrate self-advocacy by sharing real-life experiences, explaining their thought process and response when faced with challenges. For example, they could share how they identified a challenge, thought about solutions, used their voice to speak up for themselves, and displayed the appropriate body language – including eye contact, a calm demeanor, and speaking clearly. By sharing these experiences, parents can help teens understand how to advocate for themselves in similar situations. 

Solving Problems Together   

Teaching problem-solving skills is another important way for parents to help their teens develop self-advocacy. When teens are faced with a dilemma, parents can work with them to break down the problem, asking questions like, “What do you think the problem is?” and “What is your desired outcome”? This approach encourages teens to brainstorm possible solutions on their own. Ultimately, helping teens gain the confidence to make decisions with clarity. Over time, this process may foster greater independence in teens and empower them to assert themselves effectively. 

Promoting Teen Independence

As parents help their teen develop self-advocacy, they should also promote teen independence. When teens are given opportunities to handle situations on their own, they become more comfortable advocating for themselves. For example, allowing teens to take an active role in their education. Parents can do this by allowing teens to discuss their strengths and areas for improvement during a parent-teacher conference; this way, they can practice using their voice and asserting their needs in a safe and supportive environment. Importantly, parents can allow their teens to be independent while remaining open to guidance in case their teen needs support. This balance helps teens feel equipped to advocate for themselves but also know that guidance is available when needed.  

Preparing Teens for the Future

Having tools for teens to rely on as they develop self-advocacy is incredibly helpful. Parents can teach their teens how to speak up by involving them in decision-making, such as asking for their input on things like dinner options or family activities. These opportunities help to hone their independence. Additionally, parents can guide teens in teaching them how to manage their emotions during moments when they need to advocate for themselves, reminding them to breathe and stay composed. Telling teens it’s normal for them to feel anxious or shy as they learn to speak up, offering reassurance and support. Parents can be some of the best teachers, and the home environment provides a great space to practice these skills. As teens build confidence in advocating for themselves, they’ll be better prepared to handle future situations with peers, teachers, co-workers, and even future life partners.   

This article was written by student Keyirah Williams. Keyirah has an undergraduate degree in Psychology and African American Studies from Temple University and is currently pursuing a master’s in public health degree at the University of Pennsylvania. She is passionate about using research to advance health equity, improve the well-being of underrepresented communities, and reduce healthcare disparities.