Social Skills Training (TUS) for Teenagers – What It Is and Why It Matters
💬 “I don’t know how to talk to people.”
This is something many teenagers feel — even if they don’t say it out loud.
Adolescence is a time of major emotional and social change. It’s when young people are developing their identity, navigating friendships, setting boundaries, and learning how to express themselves. But not everyone learns these skills naturally.
That’s where Social Skills Training (TUS) comes in. It’s a structured, supportive way to help teens build the social and emotional tools they need — not just for school, but for life.
👥 What is TUS?
TUS stands for Trening Umiejętności Społecznych, or Social Skills Training. It’s a form of group-based psychological support designed to improve communication, self-awareness, emotional regulation, and relationship-building.
While often used to support children and teens with autism spectrum conditions or social anxiety, TUS is also valuable for any adolescent who struggles with:
Making or keeping friendships
Understanding social cues
Expressing emotions
Navigating peer pressure
Feeling confident in group settings
Managing difficult conversations
TUS is not therapy in the traditional sense. It’s practical, structured, and focused on everyday situations.
🔍 What do teens learn during TUS?
Social skills training is typically built around real-world challenges that young people face. Depending on the age group and the specific group goals, teens might work on:
Communicating emotions and needs clearly and respectfully
Recognizing and naming emotions — their own and others’
Setting boundaries and saying “no” assertively
Dealing with rejection, conflict, or criticism
Reading nonverbal communication, like tone and body language
Resolving disagreements in constructive ways
Cooperating in a group or team setting
Responding to peer pressure with confidence
Building self-esteem and understanding their social strengths
These skills are introduced in a structured way and practiced through roleplaying, group exercises, games, and guided discussion.
Some programs are focused on general social development, while others may be tailored to specific challenges, like social anxiety, ADHD, or autism spectrum disorders.
What makes TUS unique is that it’s hands-on. It’s not a lecture — it’s learning by doing, with support and reflection at every step.
👨👩👧 Who is TUS for?
TUS is ideal for teenagers who:
Are shy, withdrawn, or socially anxious
Seem unsure of how to express themselves
Struggle to “fit in” at school or in peer groups
React strongly to conflict or frustration
Have difficulty making or maintaining friendships
Want to feel more confident in social situations
It’s also a great option for teens who are emotionally sensitive or intense, and need support learning how to regulate emotions in a group dynamic.
Importantly: TUS is not just for teens with a diagnosis. Any young person who wants to feel more confident and capable socially can benefit.