Articles
Teens Helping Teens
by Nan Herring
Teens Helping Teens
With so much focus on the negativity of teens in this day and age, it is a pleasure to be writing of the positive and the good that we find in our teenagers. In my most recent research, I have found a group of teens helping teens. This group is called "Teen Line"
It was established in 1981 and to date have aided tens of thousands of teens in two major forms; The Teen Hotline and the Community Outreach Program. However, one can also get assistance online at the website http://www.teenlineonline.org/
Thisteen-staffed hotline assists teenagers with such problems as abuse, alcohol, drugs, eating disorders and relationships, just to name a few of the common teen issues. They have a toll free number that teenagers can call and speak with another teen about any problem whatsoever. The troubled teens feel more comfortable talking to other teens rather than adults, because they feel as though they are not being judged.
Next is the Community Outreach Program, which is where the volunteer teen staff visits schools or other groups to talk about various issues regarding teen life. One of the things that one will learn at this meeting, is that regardless of what their problems may be, they are not alone. Although schools and youth groups are the main focus of services offered, they are also offered to "adolescent-serving agencies, law enforcement and the media". This seems to help many with existing problems, as well as preventing future problems for others.
It's not as simple as one may think to become a part of the teen staff. Each teen volunteer must start off with completing a 5 page application. Then each individual is screened, issued with educational materials (reading material and videos) on various topics and last but not least, must complete a 60 hour training program. Only an estimated 80 per year are selected for the staff. It may seem like alot of training to get started, but atleast we can trust that the troubled teens have educated and well-trained teens assisting them with their teen problems and issues.
One
of the newest locations of "Teen Line" is in Riverside, Ca. The
training here will be provided by Carl Mascarella, a licensed marriage
and family therapist. The first group of teens to be trained at this
location will begin this summer. Teen Line is seeking teens in 9-11th
grades to apply for the fall training. If you are a teen willing to
volunteer and reside in the Riverside location; you can complete the
application online
***********************************
Monica Stokes / Teens In Action Editor
TGAMM FM RADIO
Family Friendly and Family Approved
***********************************
Pay-Dough
Jerky Direct
Sponsor Ads
About Nan Herring 
109 connections, 0 recommendations, 259 honor points.Joined APSense since, May 18th, 2007, From Albany, United States.
Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.
I think there is not much guidance for teens these days. Most times they are allowed to to do what they want and they do not have a strong person to give them advice. The thing again with teenage is you are in the middle of being a kid and and and adult and sometimes things get real confusing.
Jul 12th 2008 13:22