Links & Resources
Here are some our favorite online resources for teens, on a variety of topics:
Teen Vogue articles on racism: The more we can understand racism, the better we will be able to fight it and eradicate from our society.
Take Charge of Your Health: A Guide for Teenagers: This site is by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, and is for teens who are ready to take charge of their own health-related decisions. The guide is divided into sections that describe things like how the body works, how to choose healthy foods, and how to be physically active in fun ways. Check it out!
Your Life Your Voice provides several ways for teens to get connected with someone to discuss any issue impacting them in the moment, such as feeling depressed, contemplating suicide, being physically or sexually abused, on the run, addicted, threatened by gang violence, fighting with a friend or parent, or being faced with an overwhelming challenge. You can call 1-800-448-3000, text Voice to 20121 to start, chat or email from their website to get support, guidance, and resources. The website also features a variety of journal pages if you just want a way to start to sort out your thoughts on your own.
The Trevor Project provides crisis support through its accredited, free and confidential phone, instant message, and text messaging crisis intervention services. Focusing on suicide prevention, The Trevor Project offers the largest safe social networking community for LGBTQ youth and resources for youth and adults. The Trevor Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386, or you can connect through Text or Chat.
Dealing With Depression: Teens' mental health and how they deal with emotions are very important. This week's resource focuses on depression, offering resources for teens to help them deal with the emotions that come with depression. Dealing With Depression is meant for teens who have been coping with depressed moods. This resource teaches a set of skills that teens can apply to their own life to overcome depression.
TeensHealth from the Nemours Foundation. It gives teens doctor-reviewed advice on hundreds of physical, emotional, and behavioral topics such as maintaining healthy weight, managing stress, and staying motivated.
The It Gets Better Project: This is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth around the globe. Growing up isn’t easy, especially when you are trying to affirm and assert your sexual orientation and/or gender identity. It can be a challenging and isolating process – but the good news is, no one has to do it alone. Check out this amazing website for stories, resources, and how to get involved.
Born This Way Foundation: Born This Way Foundation is committed to supporting the wellness of young people, and empowering them to create a kinder and braver world. They achieve this by shining a light on real people, quality research, and authentic partnerships. They also have an active blog, extensive resource list, and hotlines to call in the event of a crisis.
TeenHelp.com was developed for parents of teens as well as teens going through common adolescent development issues. There are facts sheets, statistics and informative guides on topics such as self-esteem, suicide, depression, sexual abuse/trauma, substance use and developing positive relationships and moral values.
The Teen Brain: 7 Things to Know: This site gives information to help understand how the brain of an adolescent changes. It also explains puzzling contradictions of adolescence: young people at this age are close to a lifelong peak of physical health, strength, and mental capacity, and yet, for some, this can be a hazardous age. The more we learn, the better we may be able to understand the abilities and vulnerabilities of teens, and the significance of this stage for life-long mental health.
Go Ask Alice! (goaskalice.columbia.edu) a health Q&A internet resource. It provides readers with reliable, accurate, accessible, culturally competent information and a range of thoughtful perspectives so that they can make responsible decisions concerning their health and well-being. Go Ask Alice! answers questions about alcohol & other drugs, emotional health, nutrition & physical activity, general health, relationships, and sexual & reproductive health. If you've thought about a health question, the answer is likely on Go Ask Alice! If you don't find the answer you're looking for, you can submit your own question to Alice! (Keep in mind, Go Ask Alice! provides health information and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, treatment advice, or a second opinion for health conditions. If you have an existing ailment or an urgent health problem, consult with a health care provider before acting on information contained here.)