Healthy adolescent relationships
Bullying
Bullies tend to pick on the people they think do not fit in. It might be because of how they look or act, race or religion, or their sexual preference. Some bullies might even be physically abusive. Often times people might be picked on for no apparent reason at all.
If you, or someone you know are being bullied, try these links for support and guidance:
Peer pressure
The adolescent years are a time when kids are trying to figure out who they are and how they fit in. Part of fitting in is learning how to manage feelings of being judged and accepted by one's peers.
See more information about peer pressure:
- American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry - Peer Pressure
- Raising Children Network - Peer Pressure and Influence; Teenagers
Communicating with adolescents
Starting a discussion on sensitive topics can be hard. Many people feel they might ask a question wrong or react poorly when they hear an unexpected answer. Several techniques can help with lines of communication.
See these resources:
- U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services (Office of Adolescent Health)
- National Institute on Drug Abuse
- HealthyChildren.org
- Mayo Clinic
Stress management
The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry has information on how teens and adolescents can manage stress.
LGBTQ youth resources
The CDC offers resources for LGBTQ youth, their friends, educators, parents, and family members to support positive environments.
LGBTQ Youth Resources, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health - CDC