How to Navigate Distracted Youth in Circle

If you’ve facilitated programs with a group of youth, you’ve probably experienced a participant who has a hard time staying focused. Maybe they’re fidgeting, moving around, making comments, interrupting, or seem distracted by everything going on around them. 

It can be easy to see these behaviors as simply disruptive, but there may be more going on. A young person may be trying to manage their energy, dealing with something outside the group, navigating a learning experience or aspects of neurodivergence, or experiencing something else beneath the surface. 

Instead of thinking, “How do I stop this behavior?” we can ask, “What might this young person need to feel more comfortable and focused in the group?” 

Supporting Youth Engagement 

There are things facilitators can do before distraction becomes an issue. Facilitating a group discussion and setting clear group agreements together around respect and participation is a great place to start. Facilitators can also let participants know it’s okay to feel restless sometimes and talk as a group about ways to manage that energy without distracting others. 

This might look like:  

When someone is having a hard time focusing, facilitators can also ask the participant what they need. Giving young people the opportunity to identify what they need can help them take more ownership of their participation. 

It’s also important to remember that a strengths-based approach doesn’t mean ignoring behaviors that are distracting the rest of the group. Facilitators can still be clear and consistent with expectations while taking the time to understand what may be behind the behavior.  

Build Your Confidence as a Facilitator 

Even when we understand why a young person may be distracted, responding in the moment can be challenging. Facilitators must balance supporting that individual while keeping the rest of the group engaged.  

That’s one of the areas we explore in One Circle Foundation’s Advanced Facilitation Skills Training. The training helps facilitators build on their existing skills and feel more prepared to respond to challenging group dynamics, including distracted youth.  

The more tools facilitators have, the better prepared they can be to respond with curiosity and consistency, while creating a safe space where everyone has the opportunity to participate and feel supported.  

Want to build confidence in navigating distracted youth and other challenging group dynamics? Learn more about One Circle Foundation’s Advanced Facilitation Skills Training and continue building the skills and tools you can use in your Circles.  

For more information and additional strategies for supporting distracted youth, read more in the Girls Circle Facilitator Manual and The Council for Boys and Young Men Facilitator Manual.