Adolescence can be an extremely turbulent and troubling time for young people. To alleviate the frustations and upset which can occur, professional guidance is often recommended. Scroll down for more information about some of the teenager support services available.
Teenager Support Organisations
Teen Help
This website provides confidential support for teenagers covering all issues. Included on the site are teenage forums and articles intended to provide adolescents with advice and help. They also provide an email service for young people who have specific questions and who may need support.
The Mix
Confidential, free helpline service that caters for the under-25s. In addition to the helpline they also provide webchat, text and email services, all of which operate 24/7. There’s around 100 trained volunteers able to provide emotional support and recommend specialist help if needed.
The Teenager Today
An entertainment website geared towards the interests of teenagers and young people. The site offers forums and chat rooms that allow adolescents to interact with others in a safe, moderated environment.
Teenage Counselling
Adolescent counselling is intended to help teenagers make sense of their feelings and behaviour. Approaches such as family systems therapy provide both parent and teenager with the chance of exploring their relationship and voicing their feelings in a supportive environment.
Expressive techniques such as Art Therapy offer an alternative to traditional verbal counselling, enabling teenagers to express themselves through a different medium.
Teenage Helplines
Family Lives – 0800 800 2222
This is a national charity which tries to resolve conflict in families by providing support and advice for parents bringing up children after a break-up, coping with a new baby or who need advice about bringing up teenagers.
Support Line – 0208 554 9004
An organisation that offers telephone help for a wide range of issues. Telephone counselling for teenagers is available from trained people that provide sympathetic, non-judgemental support and help.
Teen Issues Explained
Adolescence is the stage of transition from childhood to adulthood, in which considerable physical and mental changes take place. It usually occurs between the ages of 10 and 19 years.
Physical change that occurs during this time is known as puberty. Because of puberty, teenagers may often feel oversensitive and lack self-confidence as they come to terms with the changes they are going through.
Mood swings and shyness are some of the most common features associated with adolescence. It is a period of vulnerability for the teenager, requiring support and understanding.
Teenagers often find their independence by making friends and widening their social circle. As they begin to carve out an identity, they become more susceptible to their friend’s influences. In general, this is a healthy process that enables the teenager to find a niche outside of the family environment.
However, peer pressure may lead to situations that need parental or professional guidance.
