Update: This article was last updated on 6th May 2025 to reflect the accuracy and up-to-date information on the page.
Initiating conversations with teenagers can pose challenges, particularly for parents. It’s vital to spark discussions that intrigue them and encourage ongoing dialogue, especially given today’s evolving social landscape.
Whether you’re a parent, youth CEO, or another adult figure seeking engaging topics, this compilation of discussion questions for teens and questions to ask teens serves as a valuable resource.
Discover these 70 open ended questions to get teens engaged, designed to elicit conversation with teens of all ages. This is a launching pad to choose questions to ask your teenager that speak to their interests—school, social media, holidays, or aspirations.
Say goodbye to boring questions such as “How was school?” and instead embark on open ended questions for teens that encourage thoughtful, two-way conversation.
Whether you want to find intriguing questions for teens, relaxed icebreaker questions, or targeted questions to ask teen girls, you’ll get ideas here.
These questions to ask a teen about life are more in-depth than you might find elsewhere, building trust and more meaningful relationships.
Begin your next conversation with these thought-provoking questions to ask a teen—and watch the conversation expand.
Bid farewell to mundane inquiries like “How was school?” and embark on engaging dialogues that foster deeper connections.
INITIATE WITH SMALL TALK
Always choose a small conversation at the start. Rushing in with heavy questions can backfire. Instead, ease into conversation with these light and enjoyable questions, providing a relaxed approach to engaging with a teen.
1. SOCIAL MEDIA AND TV
Starting with a topic where the teen can demonstrate expertise is a wise choice, giving them the advantage in the conversation.
1. What’s the latest series you’ve been hooked on?
2. Do you have a favorite TikTok trend at the moment?
3. What aspect of social media do you enjoy the most?
4. Have you watched any interesting shows on Hotstar/Amazon Prime/Netflix lately?
5. How long does it usually take you to finish a new show? Is it weeks, days, or just a few hours?
6. Any TV series you’d recommend for me? What makes it worth watching?
7. Which social media platform are you most active on these days?
8. On the flip side, what aspect of social media do you dislike?
9. Have you ever created a TikTok? If so, what was it about?
10. Have you heard about [insert latest celebrity/sports news]? What are your thoughts on it?
Recommended Reading: TO THE PARENTS WHO ARE STRUGGLING: YOU’RE NOT ALONE
2. START CONVERSATION ABOUT FOVORITE DISHES
Despite varying preferences in types and styles, food remains universally appealing to teenagers.
11. I recently tried out this new restaurant that opened recently, and it was amazing. Have you had the chance to visit there yet?
12. What cuisine do you enjoy the most?
13. What’s your top pick for a restaurant?
14. Have any of your friends ever invited you over for dinner?
15. If given the choice, would you prefer dining at an upscale, fine dining establishment or a more relaxed, casual eatery?
16. Are you a fan of cooking?
17. If you were limited to eating only one meal forever, what would it be?
18. Is there a particular type of food that you dislike?
19. Have you ever experienced stomach issues after eating food from outside?
20. Do you ever wish to become a chef?
Recommended Reading: Choosing the Right Career: How Parents Can Help
3. TRY TO KNOW THEIR INTEREST IN MOVIES
Collect data yourself by researching celebrity names and facts beforehand.
21. Have you watched any impressive movies recently?
22. In your opinion, what’s the greatest movie ever made?
23. Which movie did you repeatedly ask your parents to watch when you were younger?
24. What’s your favorite movie soundtrack?
25. Who are your preferred actors and actresses?
26. If you could meet any celebrity, who would you choose?
27. If you had the chance to portray any character in a movie, who would it be?
28. Do you have any interest in making a career in acting?
29. Do you like spiritual movies?
30. Do you enjoy watching Korean movies, like most youngsters do? If yes, which actor is your favorite?
Recommended Reading: FOSTERING EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE IN CHILDREN: STRATEGIES FOR PARENTS
4. RESTORE MEMORY WITH HOLIDAY
If you’re looking to delve deeper into life’s journey, engage your teen in discussions with a bit more substance.If you’re aiming to transition to reminiscing about experiences, here’s a smooth segue:
31. Speaking of memories, here’s a good one
32. Any plans for [insert the closest holiday]? As for me, I’m thinking of [offering your upcoming plans].
33. What does our family typically do for [holiday name]?
34. What’s your favorite aspect of that holiday? Personally, I adore [share your favorite part].
35. Which holiday do you eagerly anticipate each year?
36. What’s your most cherished holiday memory?
37. Reflecting on gifts, what’s the most memorable holiday present you’ve ever received?
38. Do you want to spend more time with your family?
39. Whose house do you want to visit during your upcoming holiday?
40. Do you want to join any charity work during the holidays?
Recommended Reading: TOP PARENTING PODCASTS FOR KIDS AND PARENTS
5. ENGAGING WITH TEENS: EXPLORING PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
To foster a connection with your teens, delve into discussions that touch upon their experiences, current interests and challenges, and aspirations for the future. This approach can help strengthen your bond and facilitate meaningful conversations. Here are some prompts to get started:
41. It seems like you’re really passionate about ____ (mention your biggest interest). Have you ever thought about pursuing that as a career
42. What’s your ultimate dream job? If you could do anything, what would it be?
43. What brings a smile to your face most often? Is there something in particular that never fails to brighten your day?
44. On rough days, how do you uplift yourself? Do you have any go-to strategies for cheering yourself up?
45. Do you ever wake up with a feeling that today is going to be amazing? If so, what gives you that sense of anticipation?
46. How would you describe your idea of a perfect day? What elements would make it truly special for you?
47. Given the choice, would you prefer a large group of acquaintances or a small, tight-knit circle of friends? What’s your reasoning behind that choice?
48. In your opinion, what qualities make someone a great friend? What do you value most in your friendships?
49. When do you feel you can truly trust someone in your life? Are there specific signs or actions that earn your trust?
50. Does anyone in your life you feel deeply about?
Recommended Reading: HOW PARENTS CAN HELP THEIR CHILD TO PLAN THEIR CAREER
6. SCHOOL LIFE AND ACADEMICS
Understanding your teen’s academic life opens up opportunities for support and encouragement while showing genuine interest in their challenges and achievements.
50. What’s your favorite subject in school right now, and why?
51. Is there any subject you find particularly challenging?
52. Do you enjoy learning in a classroom or through online resources more?
53. Have you ever participated in a school competition or project that you really enjoyed?
54. How do you usually prepare for exams or tests?
55. Are there any teachers who’ve had a big impact on you?
56. What’s the coolest thing you’ve learned this year in school?
57. Have you ever thought about joining any school clubs or extracurricular activities?
58. What do you like most about your current school?
59. If you could change one thing about your school, what would it be?
60. What kind of field trips would you love your school to organize?
7. HOBBIES, GAMES, AND PASSIONS
These prompts are great for helping teens open up about their favorite pastimes and discover shared interests with parents.
61. What’s a hobby you could spend hours doing and never get bored?
62. Have you tried learning any new skills or hobbies recently?
63. Are you into any online or mobile games? Which ones do you enjoy most?
64. If you had a whole free day, how would you spend it?
65. Do you prefer outdoor adventures or staying in with a book or game?
66. What type of music or podcast do you listen to most?
67. Have you ever built or created something you’re really proud of?
68. Would you ever consider turning your hobby into a business or side hustle?
69. Is there a new hobby you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet?
70. Do you enjoy spending time on creative activities like painting, writing, or designing?
CONCLUSION
In our blog, we deliberately do not broach the topic of school. Most children, even the ones who are good in school, do avoid such a topic. However, they may still anticipate adults to ask them about school since it’s a social norm. If you are approaching a teenager and have some information about them beforehand, it is beneficial to steer the talk towards areas that are comfortable for them.
This approach fosters a comfortable atmosphere where both sides can engage in pleasant and meaningful conversation, allowing for enhanced communication.
Moonpreneur is committed to revolutionizing conventional education and future-proofing the next generation with end-to-end learning solutions. Its Innovator Program is creating tomorrow’s workforce by educating students in AI/ML, Robotics, Coding, IoT, and Apps, facilitating entrepreneurship through experiential learning.
