65 Good Conversation Starters for Talking to Teens

If you interact with children and teenagers on a regular basis, you understand that they are prone to mood swings.

Particularly as kids approach adolescence, they may not talk as much as they used to. It may feel like pulling teeth just to get them to say anything at all. That is why it is important to rely on conversation starters for teens.

The reality is that teenagers do like to talk. After all, they spend a lot of time talking to their friends. If you would like them to talk with you as well, you need to know what to talk about.

So with that in mind, this article will detail conversation starters the next time you’re talking to a teen.

But first, let’s start with a quick definition.

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What Are Conversation Starters for Teens?

Conversation starters for teens are exactly what they sound like. They are something that you can say or do to get them talking. There are few common mistakes people make when they are trying to get teenagers to speak.

What are the most common mistakes people make when they are trying to get teenagers to start a conversation is being judgmental. Even though you are not doing this intentionally, it is how you phrase something that causes it to come across as judgmental.

Remember that teenagers are trying to gain their independence. They want to make their own decisions. Therefore, do not be judgmental. You simply want to get the conversation going.

65 Conversation Starters To Use with Teens

If you are looking for outstanding conversation starters you can use with teens, some top examples include:

What is the one thing that you did today that you are most proud of?
When you think back on your early childhood, what is one of the earliest memories you can remember?
As you look at yourself right now, what is the one thing that you like most?
If you reflect back on the biggest challenges you have had to face, what is the one thing you are most proud of?
What is the best thing that happened to you at school today? Why do you think that is?
When you think about all the compliments you have received during the course of your life, what is the one thing someone has said to you that you like the best?
Tell me about a time someone hurt your feelings. Why do you think that hurts so much?
Is there something in the future that you are worried about right now? Why is that the case?
When you feel upset or stressed out, what do you do to help yourself calm down?
Do you ever feel sad? Why do you think you feel sad in that situation?
What is one time recently that you have felt worried about something?
When you think about everything that happened at school today, what is one thing that you felt bad about?
Who is it in your life that makes you laugh the most? Why do you think that person is so funny?
How hard is it for you to wake up in the morning? Do you think there is something you could do to make it easier to get up?
Have you ever had to experience bullies at school? How do you usually respond?
Who is your best friend right now? What do you like most about him or her?
Do you have someone in your life you wish would listen to you better?
Has there ever been a situation when you have felt lonely or left out?
When you think about the friends in your life, why do you like them so much?
Is there anyone who has ever been a bad friend to you? How did you respond?
Do you have any desire to be more popular at school?
What do you think a truly means to be a good person?
What you say that you are an outgoing person? Or, do you think you are shy?
Do any of your friends currently have romantic relationships?
Do you have any desire to be in a romantic relationship? Why or why not?
If you have a crush on someone at school, do you know how to let them know?
If you had the opportunity to travel anywhere in the world, where would you like to go more than anywhere else?
What is the farthest you have traveled? What did you like most about that place?
Is there a hobby or skill you would like to get better at? How do you think you can get there?
What do you think makes a good teacher? Do you have any good teachers?

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What is your favorite sport? What do you like most about it?
Is there a musical instrument that you would like to play? Is there a musical instrument you would like to get better at?
If one of your friends were to approach you with concerns about a relationship, how would you respond?
How old do you think you have to be to fall in love?
If you had $1,000 to spend, what would you spend it on?
Do you ever think about getting a tattoo? If you did, what would you get a tattoo of?
Did you have any brothers or sisters? How do you get along with them?
What do you like best about your mother and father?
What do you think it means to be in a healthy relationship with someone? Do you know anyone who isn't in a healthy relationship?
Do you have anyone who you know would be there for you no matter what?
When you look back on your prior grades? Which one was your favorite?
When you hang out with your friends, what is the one thing you like to do most?
If someone approached you and offered you drugs, what would you do?
How old do you think you have to be to learn to drink safely?
Do you play video games? Which one is your favorite?
Do you do chores at home? Do your parents give you a regular allowance?
Is there something you are saving your money to buy right now?
Are you thinking about getting a job this summer? If so, what do you see yourself doing?
When you look forward, what do you think about going to college? Where would you like to go?
What would you like to study after you finish High School?
How do you start at all about what prom is going to look like? Have you thought about who you are going to take?
What do you think is the most creative way to ask someone to go to prom?
What do you think people are going to do when the dance is over? Do you think you will join them?
What is the most embarrassing experience you have had in your life? How did you react to that situation?
Do you see yourself as more of a leader or a follower? What do you think are the good qualities of a leader?
Is there something that you would like to do more often than you do right now? Why do you think that is the case?
Do you have any cousins? How often do you get to spend time with them?
If you have a disagreement with your parents, do you think they treat you fairly? Why or why not?
If you had the opportunity to change one thing about yourself, what do you think that one thing would be? Why do you think that is the case?
Do you currently drive a car? What do you do to make sure you stay safe on the road?
What are the biggest plans you have for the future?
When you see yourself in 10 years, what do you see yourself doing?
What do you think truly makes someone a good person?
Is there something in life you would like to experience more of?
What is the one quality that your parents have that you would like to experience in the future?

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Final Thoughts on Conversation Starters for Teens

Ultimately, you have to remember that every teenager is different. Therefore, you should tailor these conversations to meet the needs of the specific person you are talking to.

Above all else, remember not to be judgmental and stop being negative. Nobody likes to feel like they are being judged. Teenagers are the same.

If you put these conversation starters to work for you, you should have an easier time getting teenagers to talk to you. That way, you can get to know them better, build a stronger relationship with them, and move forward together.

Hopefully, the topics we just listed will help you start a great conversation the next time you’re talking to a teen.

Now, if you're looking for more resources to help your teens, be sure to check out these articles:

Finally, if you want to ask better questions, then watch this short, 20-minute course to learn how to have a great conversation with virtually anyone.