258: What Do Parents Need to Know About Teens & Fan Fiction?

What would YOU do if you discovered your tween or teen was reading explicit fan fiction online?

Today’s kids are often learning about sexuality through the internet, often long before parents realize it. How you respond can either shut down communication or open the door to thoughtful, values-based conversations that actually stick.

In this episode of Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens, clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan tackle a question many parents are asking: Should we be worried about our kids reading explicit fan fiction? 

💡 YOU’LL LEARN:

- Why reading explicit fan fiction can be a common, developmentally typical form of exploration

- How to talk with your teen about sexual content without shaming or lecturing

- How to share your family’s values around healthy intimacy in ways teens can hear

- When (and how) to set boundaries without damaging trust

- The surprising upsides of fan fiction

If you’re feeling confused, uneasy, or unsure about what your kid is encountering online, this episode offers calm, practical guidance to help you stay connected and parent with confidence.

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Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges.  Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical advice and science-backed solutions to help parents raise resilient, confident, and emotionally healthy kids. Tune in every week for the latest topics in parenting, child psychology, and family wellness. Get answers to your most pressing parenting questions. New episodes drop every Tuesday.

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Episode keywords: teens, fan fiction, explicit content, family communication, online safety, romantasy

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