Supporting Teenagers
Resources for Teens
One of the hardest parts about raising and supporting teenagers is not being able to protect them all of the time. Making sure your teenager is well educated when it comes to their relationships with peers and how to find help will better prepare them and help keep them safe.
Inclusive Sex & Health Education
Books
Doing It Right by Bronwen Pardes - A book about sex, staying safe and making good choices.
All About S.E.X: The Scarleteen Book by Heather Corinna - A book that covers just about everything from anatomy and body image, to gender and sexual orientation to safe safe, relationships and consent.
Websites
Scarleteen - Using their own words: Providing inclusive, comprehensive, supportive sexuality and relationship info to teens and emerging adults.
Sex, etc - Sex education for teens by teens. It also has a very robust sex term dictionary.
Avert - Providing comprehensive information about HIV/AIDS as well as other STIs, how to have healthy, safe sex as well as a special section for first time sex stories.
For Phones
they2ze app - Articles, health resources and tools specifically geared towards transgender individuals.
Abuse Prevention & Support
Aspire News App - This app appears on your phone as a generic news app in case an abuser is monitoring your phone, however the “help” section allows the user to access domestic violence help and has a function that allows the user to send audio and written messages to police.
Circle of 6 - An app that allows you to send out a call for help without drawing attention to it. It sends the same help message, including your GPS location, to all 6 people you have designated in your contacts.
National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline - Call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area. You can also visit their website for a live chat.
One Love - Call 1-866-331-9474 or text "loveis" to the same number for support and help with an unhealthy relationship. A peer advocate will help the user identify when they are in an unhealthy relationship, and if it is unsafe, how to create an action plan. Their website also offers tips on how to help a friend who may be in an unhealthy relationship.
Respect Effect - An app that teaches teens about dating violence and how to respect their partners, set boundaries and practice self-care.
StrongHearts Native Hotline - Call 1-844-762-8483. A confidential and anonymous culturally-appropriate domestic violence and dating violence helpline for Native Americans, available every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT.
That'sNotCool.com - Information, quizzes and resources for developing healthy relationships.
Mental Health and Crisis Support
Crisis Text Line - Text "Home" to 741741 - Teenagers and others can text in a crowded room or alone when they are struggling and get the same crisis intervention as other hotlines.
Mental Health America Crisis Line - 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
The Trevor Project - a crisis line for LGBTQ youth. Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678
Trans Lifeline - A crisis line run by transgender individuals for trans and questioning callers. Dial 877-565-8860 for US and 877-330-6366 for Canada.
Do Something - A website that focuses on creating resiliency by getting teenagers involved in community projects. They currently have a good article on teenage mental health resources. If you scroll all the way to the bottom there are even more resources that are