Advice for Teens and Parents

April 2, 2025

Mark Cuban is one of the most successful entrepreneurs, tech innovators, and disruptors in recent history. While he’s best known for his role on Shark Tank, his ownership of the Dallas Mavericks, and founding multiple companies, he’s also a family man and father of three. His experience as an investor, entrepreneur, and parent gives him a unique perspective from which both teens and parents can learn.

We had the opportunity to interview Mark Cuban about the impact of AI on education, career advice for today’s teens, and much more. Given his recent venture, Cost Plus Drugs—a company dedicated to making medicine more affordable—we also asked for his insights on where healthcare is headed. As always, Mark was candid, practical, and forward-thinking. Whether you’re a teen, parent, or educator, his responses offer insights that just might reshape how you think about the future.

Interview with Mark Cuban

Q: AI is disrupting classrooms, and teens are relying heavily on it for their homework and essays. When should schools discourage the use of AI, and when should they embrace it?

Mark Cuban: They should always embrace it as a tool to help kids learn. When I was a kid we used encyclopedias to look up everything.  AI for students is Encyclopedia Britannica on steroids.  And that’s just the text side. From a creativity standpoint, what can be done as of this week, is next level and will help creative students go next level

Q: How might education as we know it change?

Mark Cuban: I think in some respects tests will have to be done on PCs or laptops that are “clean” of tools, so students can answer questions and prove their knowledge. In other situations, teaching kids to use LLMs like ChatGPT and how to process the information, confirm its accurate and be able to discuss it, will become part of the teaching process

I think LLMs can also be structured by schools to provide personalized tutoring.  With some help from the schools and teachers, LLMs can be modified to have conversations with students, much like a tutor has done. The AI will have more time, patience and work to the students schedule, but it obviously wont have the personal touch of a human tutor (sounds weird to even say).  But that’s part of the adaptation 

Q: Younger generations are increasingly interested in entrepreneurship. However, many of their parents prefer that they go to college. What advice would you give to entrepreneurial teens who feel unsure or pressured about going to college? What advice would you give their parents?

Mark Cuban: Go to a college you can afford.  Learning accounting, finance, sales, marketing are all incredibly valuable to any entrepreneur. Learning it in school is a lot less expensive than having to pay someone to do it for you.  These are the languages of business. They give you a head start, make you more prepared and less dependent on outsiders.

Q: Teens and young adults are concerned about being able to afford a desirable lifestyle in the future. Many believe homeownership will be difficult and that job security is declining in many careers. What factors should they consider when exploring career options?

Mark Cuban: Don’t stress about careers when you are in school. You don’t have to have all the answers when you graduate. It’s ok to find a job where you can learn.  It’s ok to jump between jobs as you figure things out. The goal is to find something you love to do, and then become great at it. That’s when the doors to making a good living open up. It doesn’t matter what it is. It’s that you love going to work!

Q: As Gen Z enters the workforce and becomes more independent, many feel overwhelmed by the complexities of health insurance and the overall healthcare system. What is something teens and young adults need to understand about healthcare? What changes could Gen Z support to make the system simpler, more efficient, and more affordable?

Mark Cuban: I don’t know if Gen Z can make it simpler. But as far as understanding it, that’s where AI LLMs come in handy. You can just open ChatGPT and start asking it questions about your personal situation, your finances, your health and ask it what are some suggestions for insurance for them. 

And the same applies to healthcare. Just like we google things when we don’t feel well, LLMs are the next level. But always make sure to confirm with a doctor.

Q: Teens today have incredible access to information and often stay up to date on politics and important issues. While they’re informed about climate change, affordable housing, and healthcare, many still feel powerless as individuals. What are some ways younger generations can get involved in creating the change they wish to see in the world?

Mark Cuban: Get out there and participate. Become active in causes you believe in. You truly can have an impact. Every single perspective matters and you never know. With some time, curiosity and effort, you just might change the world!

Q: Teen screen time is increasing at a rapid pace, and many parents are giving their kids smartphones at younger and younger ages. As a result, more teens are spending a lot of time on social media, where algorithms decide what they see. Should parents set limits and monitor their teen’s social media use?

Mark Cuban: Under 15 yes, for sure. Particularly with AI everywhere. It’s not just social media, it’s what their histories are on LLMs.  A hack for parents is to ask your child for their phone and access to their social media. Seeing what is in their feed will tell you exactly what they are interested in.  For better or worse.

Q: What are some of the risks of giving teens unrestricted access to these platforms?

Mark Cuban: It’s easy to be consumed by the avoidance of their studies and real world things that matter. That’s why it’s important for parents to stay on top of what their kids are doing. Even if it means looking over the shoulder of your kid.