Today's teenagers face a myriad of factors that impact their brains. From technology to trauma, the current brain of a teenager is physiologically altered by factors outside themselves. In order for today's educators to support their students, they require a foundational understanding of how technology and trauma impact the teen brain. Teenage students today are reporting record high levels of stress in their young lives. For the first time ever, students are reporting stress levels equal to those of their parents and other adults. Teachers are trying to work with classes in which a majority of students report that they have had to deal with trauma and other kinds of stress in school and online. To mitigate these issues, teachers must assist students by fostering self-regulation skills. Further, teachers must help students by buffering the effects of trauma and stress by nurturing strong and caring relationships with students. When teachers understand the interrelationship between regulation and strong relationships, students will be provided with vital skills needed for their success. As foundational skills, regulation and relationships are the new rites of passage for today's teenagers. This paper examines current research literature associated with the brain, self-regulation, and relationships.