Click for full show notes, exercises, and word-for-word scripts from this episodeProfessor Tim Bono teaches one of the most popular classes ever offered at Washington University. And, no, the class isn't about archaeology or mathematics. It doesn't cover the periodic table or a period in history. And it isn't an elective like dance or yoga. It's a psychology class on how to be happy.Why does he think today's students are drawn to a class on how to be happy in such numbers?Well, in addition to teaching, Tim also conducts research. And he's making some alarming findings."In every dataset I've ever collected," he told me when I interviewed him last week for the podcast, "the more time teens are spending on social media scrolling and looking through other people's posts or posting information about their own lives, the less self esteem, sleep, confidence, and optimism they usually have."For most members of this generation raised on technology, it appears especially important to learn the science of how to be happy. Today's teens need this knowledge in order to combat the negative impact of so many hours spent on devices.What can we do to teach teens how to be happy?Dr. Bono is a true expert on the science of teenage happiness. In addition to being a professor and researcher, he is also the author of When Likes Aren't Enough: A Crash Course in the Science of Happiness. Tim says there are simple things parents can do with teenagers to start improving their level of wellbeing.One thing parents can do is help teens understand their sleep cycle--and it's more complicated than you might think.Also, Tim revealed how you can give teenagers gifts that will help them live happier lives and teach them how to be happy for years to come. He recommends focusing on social experiences. Things teens can do with their friends are great gifts, Tim says.Finally, parents should instill an internal locus of control. We want teens to feel like they have control over the world, not like they are just at the mercy of fate. This will ultimately lead to greater success and happiness in life.The way to achieve this is to talk to teens about what they specifically did that caused something to happen. For instance, did they do poorly on a test? Or do well on a test? Tim recommends asking them to think about their study habits and preparation and how these things might have contributed to the outcome. If we make a habit of doing this, it will train our teens to have happier and more resilient brains.