Scott Galloway Says This Common Parenting Style May Be Fueling Teen Depression

There’s a lot of talk about the “right” parenting style, but what I’ve gathered is that there’s not one perfect way to raise children. There’s just the way that works for you, your family, and where we are as a society. Parenting styles come, go, and evolve with the times, after all.

And if you’ve ever emailed a teacher about a grade, stepped in to smooth over a friendship issue, or tried to make your child’s life just a little easier, you may be doing what some experts call “concierge” or “bulldozer” parenting. For many caregivers, helping in this way (sometimes preemptively) feels like part of the job. But according to author, entrepreneur, and podcaster Scott Galloway, that instinct to remove obstacles may be doing more harm than good, especially when it comes to teen mental health.

In a recent conversation with Today’s Craig Melvin on the Glass Half Full podcast, Galloway (who has gone viral for his data-driven lectures and strategies) said that this parenting approach is a key contributor to rising rates of depression among adolescents. Galloway’s argument centers on a simple but uncomfortable idea: when parents consistently step in to fix problems, kids don’t get the chance to build resilience. He describes a pattern where parents “clear out every obstacle” in their child’s path — whether that’s advocating for a better grade, intervening in social conflicts, or smoothing over everyday frustrations.

The intention, of course, is love. We all get that. But the outcome, he suggests, is a generation of kids who haven’t developed the emotional “muscle” to handle setbacks. By the time those kids reach major life moments (like starting college or experiencing rejection), they may be encountering those challenges for the first time without the tools and skills to cope.

Why Resilience Matters More Than Ever

This idea will likely resonate with some parents at a time when youth mental health is already a growing concern. Rates of depression, anxiety, and self-harm among teens have risen significantly over the past decade, with experts pointing to a mix of factors. Some cite social pressures, technology, and broader cultural shifts as contributing factors.

Galloway argues that overprotective parenting is one piece of that puzzle.

Research backs up the concern. A 2025 meta-analysis published in Behavioral Sciences found that “overparenting” is associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression in children and adolescents, particularly as they get older and seek more independence. Other recent studies have similarly linked overprotective parenting to increased emotional distress and lower resilience in teens.

Imagine a child getting a lower grade than expected, or navigating friendship conflicts. If the kid hasn’t been exposed to said manageable levels of disappointment, they are missing out on critical experiences. Over time, that can leave them less prepared for bigger emotional challenges. 

But before you spiral into guilt for having sent a note to the teacher or principal about a conflict (guilty), it’s worth noting that Galloway isn’t suggesting parents disengage or stop supporting their kids entirely. It’s nuanced. Parents can allow space for discomfort, failure, and problem-solving while still being present and supportive.

That might look like:

These aren’t always easy in practice, especially when your instinct is to protect. We know. As a parent, I sometimes forget to show my kids that I’m human myself and have gone through rejections, mistakes, and setbacks. It’s almost like, if it makes me uncomfortable, I don’t want them to feel that same discomfort. We are all a work in progress.

The Bigger Picture for Parents

Experts have said there is no single cause behind rising teen depression. Research points to a complex mix of influences, including social media, academic pressure, isolation, and broader societal changes. Parenting style is just one piece of that landscape.

Galloway’s perspective taps into something many parents are already feeling, though. Raising kids in today’s world often means walking a fine line between support and overprotection. And while there’s no perfect formula, one takeaway is clear: resilience isn’t something kids are born with. It’s something they build through their experiences, and sometimes you just have to step out of the way so they can have them.