Institutional Support-Related Challenges Affecting Parent's Ability To Support Adolescents' Mental Health And Autonomy, In Mwanza City

Parents are faced with several challenges in adapting to the changing needs of adolescents in Mwanza City, Tanzania. Anchored on the Family Systems Theory (FST), this study explored how contemporary socio-cultural transformations, rapid urbanization, and digital advancements affect parent-adolescent dynamics. A qualitative research approach using a case study design was adopted to capture deep, nuanced narrative experiences. Data were collected from a sample of 49 participants, including parents raising adolescents aged 10–19, adolescents themselves, and key informants such as social workers. Purposive sampling techniques was utilized to select the participants. Data collection methods involved face-to-face in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs), and the gathered qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that parents face significant knowledge-related challenges, particularly regarding modern adolescent psychological developments and digital technologies like social media, which often leaves them ill-prepared to navigate online risks. Skill-related challenges emerged through severe communication gaps, where traditional authoritative and directive parenting styles proved counterproductive, resulting in increased parent-adolescent conflicts and emotional distance. The study concludes that parental adaptation is hindered not just by individual limitations, but by broader structural and societal shifts that have isolated nuclear families. The study recommends that the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, in collaboration with NGOs, establish community-based parenting education programs and counseling centers. Additionally, schools and religious institutions should create platforms that foster open communication and mutual understanding between parents and adolescents to bridge the growing generational gap.