• Email Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Whatsapp X Adolescents have long been stereotyped in literature and science as being impulsive and emotional. • One aspect of their unique communication style has attracted attention in popular culture: ’teensplaining’. • Similar to mansplaining, when a man condescendingly explains things to a woman regardless of her expertise, it involves youths assuming they know more than adults do (often, parents and teachers) and teensplaining things in a disrespectful tone. • Access options Access Nature and 54 other Nature Portfolio journals Get Nature+, our best-value online-access subscription 27,99 €/ 30 days cancel any time Subscribe to this journal Receive 51 print issues and online access 185,98 € per year only 3,65 € per issue Rent or buy this article Prices vary by article type from$1.95 to$39.95 Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout Nature650, 792 (2026) doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-026-00496-x Competing Interests The authors declare no competing interests. • Related Articles Can ’toxic masculinity’ be measured? • Scientists try to quantify controversial term Can ’toxic masculinity’ be measured?

Article Summaries:

    • CORRESPONDENCE What’s behind ’teensplaining’? Scientists should study this adolescent behaviour Access options Access Nature and 54 other Nature Portfolio journals Get Nature+, our best-value online-access subscription 27,99 € / 30 days cancel any time Subscribe to this journal Receive 51 print issues and online access 185,98 € per year only 3,65 € per issue Rent or buy this article Prices vary by article type from$1.95 to$39.95 Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout Nature 650, 792 (2026) doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-026-00496-x Competing Interests

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