Background: Dr Verity (Linda) Sparkle
Our program is a not-for-profit concept, created by myself because I saw the struggles our teens are facing, and I worried about the path they are facing if help is not there and they do not have a way to reach out. I wanted to help them get better, improve, grow as young people into strong adults. From that, I got the idea for Teen Talk, and sent my idea to Channel 31 as a Documentary Slot Show every week. Amazingly I got an answer, and during a whole weekend wrote the synopsis and program proposal, driven to create this show. When my proposal was accepted, I was shocked and terrified; I felt obligated and inspired to continue this creative journey.
I hope you can join me. I look forward to working with you; 4 Teens 2 Help Other Teens!
Synopsis: Teen Talk Production.
Weekly Documentary Show, featuring ages 9-20 years.
We are a contemporary show about the daily lives of teenagers; the challenges they face and the issues they feel they need to discuss in our ever-changing Brave New World.
Teenagers frequently feel like nobody understands them, and nobody cares about the difficulties they are facing. We want to challenge that perception, and show that people do care, that we are here to listen, and we want to help them overcome their fears, showcase their talents, and grow as people. Our show features both the light and dark side of teen life in the modern world. We want to lend support to those struggling and in need, and celebrate the unique talents of those who have overcome adversity and live with courage.
Our show features teens telling their own stories; stories of hope, coping, triumph and success. Some have defeated illness, some have battled mental health issues, and others are still coping with the stress of living with today’s expectations. Today’s nine year old is equivalent to last generation’s 12 year old; we are here to show compassion and empathy for teens that are learning how to deal with the challenges this brings and the pressure they feel.
“Be the change you wish to see in the world” – Gandhi.
We want to encourage discussion amongst teenagers so that the world they live in is one they helped shape, and the society they become part of is proud of them and their achievements. One mould doesn’t fit everyone – we are all different and have our own unique abilities to bring to the table. We are here to show that, to be proud of that, and to celebrate the diversity within our youth.
Amongst our discussions, the following topics may arise:
Negatives:
- Body image (weight, skin, hair, illness)
- Eating disorders and obesity
- Peer pressure and conformity
- Bullying, intimidation
- Living with mental illness (depression, anxiety, fear, self-harm)
- School problems, studying difficulty
- Friendship and conflict (real life and online)
- Self-esteem, self-worth and confidence
- Learning difficulties and disorders
- Technology obsession (online, gaming, texting)
- Impacts of social media (peer pressure, bullying, sexting)
- Worries about society (politics, environment, money, illness)
- Living with illness or disease (asthma, autism, allergies)
- Living with fears, phobias, nightmares
- Family problems and conflict
- Coping with loss or injury
Positives:
- Gaining confidence and independence
- Feeling supported (friends, family)
- Engaging in culture and traditions (festivals, celebrations, rituals)
- Positive socialising
- Enjoying food, shopping, crafts and travel
- Feeling confident in your body and lifestyle
- Doing well at school, sports, work, volunteer
- Achieving personal goals (lifestyle, education, work)
- Following passions and dreams (hobbies, creative work, travel, study)
- Finding positive ways to express yourself (art, music, cooking, crafts, writing)
- Supporting worthwhile causes (charity, fundraising, volunteer work)
- Setting goals and aspirations, realising dreams
- Having an impact (climate change, wildlife preservation, helping others)
- Personal growth and lessons
We want to discuss these issues in a productive and honest way, and show teens that they are not alone in their lives. We all face positive and negative times, and together we can see each other through to the other side. Please join us on our mission to reach out, offer support, and celebrate our teens.