Resources

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Connect With Me provides conversation starters to help adults and teens have meaningful discussions about important topics.

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The Adolescent and School Health Program offers free materials and tools to help adults and youth have meaningful conversations that strengthen connections and build trust.

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Below you will find a list of helpful resources related to adolescents and the health issues they may face.

Building Connections

Build a stronger bond through open conversation

MU Warmline - Parenting advice hotline
PBS Inside the Teenage Brain Documentary - Communication tip & neurodevelopmental education
Conversation Tools for Youth-Supporting Adults - Multifaceted list of resources from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services geared towards adolescent health and supporting youth
Why Small Conversations Make a Big Impression - Talk They Hear You Campaign from SAMHSA – Resources for connecting with youth about big topics

Taking Action

Talk about taking action, respect and getting help

Talking to Your Parents About Depression - Youth resources for how to talk with parents/caregivers about depression and mental health concerns
Youth Engagement and Leadership - Tools for youth and adults concerning engaging youth and supporting youth leadership
Tips for Adults when Working with Youth Leaders - Resource sheet providing advice to adults about working with youth leaders
Tips for Youth When Working with Adult Allies - Resource sheet providing advice to youth about working with adults\
Do Something - Youth civic engagement organization
24 Volunteer Ideas for Teens - List of ideas for volunteer service opportunities for youth
Bystander Intervention - Bystander intervention tools for youth

Technology

Talk about the impact of social media and digital life

Effects of Social Media on Youth - Missouri State Technical Assistance Team (STAT) can help with investigating different types of child abuse and exploitation, including cyber crimes
Missouri Attorney General’s Internet Safety Tips for Youth - Internet safety tips and resources for youth and youth-supporting adults
Safe Online Surfing – FBI Educational Program - Free, online cyber safety course for youth age 10-14
FBI Resources on Stopping Sextortion - Tips for youth and youth-serving adults on stopping and spotting sextortion
Reliable Online Resources/Information Literacy - Resource for youth or adults about finding reliable health information online

Relationships

Discuss friendships and romantic relationships

Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence - Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence resources on seeking help during domestic or sexual violence situations
Courage2ReportMO - Missouri’s School Violence reporting system & resources for dealing with school violence
Love Is Respect - Information about healthy relationships
Healthy Relationships in Adolescence - U.S. Department of Health & Human Services adolescent health resource for healthy friendships, parent-child relationships, romantic relationships, and more

Development

Discover physical and emotional changes

Adolescent Development Explained - U.S. Department of Health & Human Services resources on adolescent developmental processes

Body Image

Explore messages and feelings about appearance

Physical Health in Developing Adolescents - Resources from the Office of Population Affairs on adolescent development
Eating Disorders & Mental Health - SAMHSA’s resources concerning eating disorders, signs, symptoms and treatments
Developing a Healthy Body Image - FAQs on health, body image, and developing a positive, healthy body image

Mental Health

Discuss feelings and how to handle tough times

Missouri Department of Mental Health - Missouri’s Department of Mental Health
National Child Trauma Stress Network - Child and adolescent trauma education
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources
Mental Health for Adolescents - U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Adolescent mental health resources
Mental Health Resources - U.S. Department of Health & Human Services adolescent mental health resources
SAMHSA Mental Health Information - SAMHSA Mental Health Information
Trevor Line – Crisis Line - Crisis Line

Substances

Consider the impact of substances

Substance Use in Adolescence - U.S. Department of Health & Human Services resources concerning substance use in adolescence, risk and protective factors, treatments, and prevention
National Institute on Drug Abuse Conversation Starters - Resources to help youth and adult-supporting youth engage in conversations about substance use
FindTreatment.gov - Confidential and anonymous resource for people seeking treatment for mental and substance use disorders in the U.S.
Talk. They Hear You. - SAMHSA’s national youth substance use prevention campaign
Mind Matters - Learn about the brain’s complex responses to specific drugs
Get Smart About Drugs: Why Do Teens Use Drugs - The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency’s resources on teen substance use and the ‘why’s behind it

Growing Up

Prepare for upcoming transitions

Helping Youth Transition to Adulthood - Guidance for foster parents with youth transitioning to adulthood
Missouri Department of Social Services Transitional Living Program - Assistance for older youth transitioning out of foster care and other placements
U.S. Department of Labor Guidelines on Youth Transitioning to Adulthood - Resources for youth with intellectual or developmental disabilities transitioning to adulthood

Tough Stuff

Explore questions about sex and trauma

What Is Child Trauma? - The National Child Stress Network’s resources on childhood trauma and supporting youth who have experienced trauma
Conversation Tools - Tips from the Office of Population Affairs for adults talking with teens about tough topics, supporting conversations with teens, and navigating teachable moments
Being Trauma-Informed - Resources from DHSS on trauma-informed approaches to working with youth
Sexual Health Resources for Caregivers of Young People with Disabilities - Resource guide for parents/caregivers navigating conversations with youth with intellectual or developmental disabilities about sexual health
Talking with Youth About Sex and Healthy Relationships - Resources for talking with youth about sexual health and healthy relationships
How to Talk With Kids About Tragedies & Other Traumatic News Events - National Terrorism Advisory System’s resource for talking with youth about tragedies and traumatic events
Tips for Talking to Children and Youth After Traumatic Events

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