The Disengaged Teen: How to Help Kids Learn Better, Live Better and Feel Better

Discover the powerful, research-backed new approach to help your teen move from disengagement to drive, from an award-winning journalist and education expert.

Teens and adolescents are hardwired to explore and grow, and learning is mainly how they do this. But a shocking majority of teenagers are disengaged from school, simultaneously bored and overwhelmed.

As parents, we can feel powerless and don’t know how to help – until now.

Based on years of research into why children lose their love of learning, award-winning journalist Jenny Anderson and global education expert Rebecca Winthrop have created a transformative model that every parent, carer and educator needs to know about.

Identifying four modes of learning that every student goes through – resister, passenger, achiever and explorer – you’ll find out why understanding what these are is crucial to your child’s development and how you can coach them to become a curious, resilient and motivated learner.

With stories from children who have used the tools in this book to become life-long learners, and with clear strategies on how to become your child’s best cheerleader, this book is essential reading for everyone who wants to help young people thrive.

‘Our education systems are short-changing far too many teenagers. This book is brimming with insights on how to change that. It’s an engaging, evidence-based, and practical read about how to develop a generation of lifelong learners.’ Adam Grant, bestselling author of Hidden Potential and Think Again

‘Every parent of a checked out, overwhelmed, or frustrated middle or high-school student needs to read this book.’ Charles Duhigg, bestselling author of The Power of Habit

'So many parents want to help their teens become better learners . . . Here is a powerful, practical book that points the way.' Carol Dweck, award-winning psychologist and author of Mindset

‘If you aspire to be the psychologically wise adult of a young person, this book is for you.’ Angela Duckworth, bestselling author of Grit

‘Every parent of a child ten or older should read this book.’ Wendy Kopp, founder of Teach for America

‘A compelling, enlightening, must-read book.' Lisa Damour, bestselling author of The Emotional Lives of Teenagers

‘An invaluable resource.’ Gretchen Rubin, bestselling author of The Happiness Project

‘Anderson and Winthrop bring clarity to the chaos, providing a practical framework for parents who want to understand their kids.’ Paul Tough, bestselling author of How Children Succeed

© Jenny Anderson 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025