As teenagers emerge from childhood, they seek independence from the rules and expectations of others. They navigate treacherous waters toward adulthood as they form their own independent identity. While the possibilities of what lie ahead are limitless, the journey can be fraught with difficulties.
In recent years the intense academic and social pressures (often exacerbated by social media) on our youth frequently lead them to experience high levels of stress, anxiety, depression, thoughts of suicide, and even to the act itself—suicide. In fact, suicide is now the third leading cause of death for children aged ten to fourteen; and one in twenty kids aged nine to seventeen are diagnosed with major depression.
Prescription drug abuse, binge drinking, recreational drugs, bullying (including cyber-bullying), pornography, sexting, and the consequences of sexual activity are also potential pitfalls for teenagers that can derail them from achieving their goals and dreams.
Teen Esteem’s goal is to reach out to them during this vulnerable time and provide valuable information helping them navigate these turbulent years.
Teen Esteem was founded in 1994 out of the concern that many young people were falling into the lure of risky adolescent behavior, sometimes leading them down a path that would have negative life-long consequences. A curriculum was developed addressing the importance of making healthy, informed decisions while providing accurate, up-to-date statistics and information. Since 1994, we’ve reached over 150,000 students with our message. Teen Esteem has also reached over 10,000 parents through parent education events. Executive Director Linda Turnbull states that “through our volunteer speakers and ongoing interactions with school administrators, counselors, law enforcement, doctors and parents, Teen Esteem maintains an accurate pulse on the current youth culture, trends, and the types of pressures young people face.” They are making an impact in students’ lives.
Their goal is to equip, educate, and empower teens, parents, educators, and the community on issues related to teens and adolescent health, while addressing the importance of self-respect and respect for others. Teen Esteem equips youth to make courageous, well-informed choices based on respect for self and others. Trained volunteer speakers from Teen Esteem provide classroom presentations, assemblies, and community workshops for this vulnerable population of middle school and high school students.
In addition to their presentations for youth, they host parent education events: informational coffees, parent ed nights, and brown bag Lunch-n-Learns in the workplace. They have presented their Lunch-n-Learns at Bishop Ranch, Chevron, Workday, and other local companies on topics ranging from “What Kids Wish Their Parents Knew,” to “Hands on Help for Today’s Digital Family.” Many of these educational talks as well as handouts are available on their website: teenesteem.org.
Teen Esteem’s impact in our community is noteworthy. Teachers acknowledge the valuable voice they bring to the classroom: “Teen Esteem speaks from the heart about issues important to young people. Their talented speakers challenge my students to look closely at their values and how they make choices. This gives them the tools to build healthy and meaningful long-term relationships. I am fortunate to have Teen Esteem encourage my students with a positive message about making good choices.”
A day after one of their presentations, a tenth grade student reflected: “This presentation was life changing for me because I would have committed suicide. And if I wasn’t inspired, I wouldn’t be here.” Another student commented, “Since prom is coming up, I was considering drinking for the first time and going to an after-party. But your presentation truly helped me to step back and realize what this decision was — I really don’t care to drink but it would have been out of pressure/curiosity… thank you!”
Parents echo their gratitude for Teen Esteem’s influence on their children’s lives, such as this: “Teen Esteem encourages our kids to make right choices in their lives as it relates to drugs, alcohol and relationships,” and “After your presentation I could tell my son had spent some time reflecting on what was presented. When a teenager comes and enthusiastically discusses what he learned about drugs, alcohol and relationships, it’s a huge win! You have put together a great formula. You should be really proud of what your team is achieving. You tackle very difficult topics with a very vulnerable audience and you’re doing it very effectively.”
With support from the local community, Teen Esteem hopes to continue their work in the Tri-Valley schools as well expand their influence over time to the Greater Bay Area.
Their annual Gala and Fundraiser, will be held this year on Saturday, November 7, 2015, at the Diablo Country Club, where they hope to introduce their work to many new folks, showcase their successes, as well as to invite everyone to participate with them in their endeavor to make a difference in the lives of young people in our communities. Find more information about the Gala or about Teen Esteem at www.teenesteem.org.
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