“Teens Thrive” Campaign
Every adult in a young person’s life has the potential to make a difference – parents and caregivers, and also teachers, coaches, extended family, neighbors, and other community members. The Communities That Care Coalition of Franklin County and the North Quabbin created this campaign to help everyone in the community understand what helps teens to thrive, so we can show up in ways that matter.
You will find resources related to messages in the “Teens Thrive” campaign on this page.
Want to learn more about The Communities That Care Coalition? Click here.
What Helps Teens Thrive?
Checking in with teens often – even just briefly – can improve mental health, reduce stress, and lower the likelihood of risky behaviors like drug and alcohol use. Small moments add up.
Estar ahí para los momentos que les importan a los chicos – un partido, una actuación, un momento especial – es una de las formas más sencillas de hacerles saber que los ves y que los valoras.
When adults listen without jumping to judgment or advice, teens are more likely to reach out when things get hard. Simple presence and attention builds the trust that makes everything else possible.
Parents, caregivers, teachers, coaches, and other trusted adults all play a critical role in supporting young people’s social and emotional development. You don’t need to have all the answers – showing up and listening with respect make a big difference.
Families don’t have to do this alone. Communities like schools, neighborhoods, sports teams, and faith communities all have a role in supporting young people. When teens have multiple adults engaged in their life, they are more likely to be healthy and happy.
Resources and Tips
For anyone who wants to support young people, it’s helpful to know where to find local and national resources for a variety of issues.
Tips for Conversations:
- Essentials for Parenting Teens – Free, practical ideas for building connection with teens ages 11–17. Includes conversation guides and tips for checking in.
- Free Mind Campaign – Resources for parents on the link between teen mental health and substance use, with tips for having real conversations.
- “Talk. They Hear You.” Campaign – A national campaign with conversation starters and tools for parents who want to talk to their kids about substance use and mental health.
To Find Support for Mental Health or Drug and Alcohol Use:
- Local Resources – For Franklin County and the North Quabbin region
- SAMHSA National Treatment Locator – Enter your zip code to find local mental health and substance use support services.
- 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) – Anyone dealing with mental health struggles, emotional distress, drug and alcohol concerns, or just needs someone to talk with can call or text 988 – available 24/7. You can also call about someone else you’re concerned about.
Want to know more about youth mental health and drug and alcohol use in Franklin County and the North Quabbin?
Check out our data page, with information from student surveys about how youth are doing in our region.
Want to get involved in our coalition to improve youth health in Franklin County and the North Quabbin?
Join our mailing list – you can sign up to get info about all-coalition events or get involved with one or more of our workgroups. We don’t send many emails or share your information!