October 27, 2009 - Today, Children’s Centre Foundation Thunder Bay’s Project LEAD and the Thunder Bay Youth Suicide Prevention Task Force launched its innovative, “Your Teen Needs You!” campaign. It is designed to raise awareness among parents and caregivers of teenagers of the importance of staying involved in their children’s lives.
“The teenage years can be a challenging time for parents,” stated Laura Meisner, Public Education Coordinator for Children’s Centre Foundation Thunder Bay. “Teens can send mixed messages that may lead a parent into believing that they should keep a distance. But, we know that the more parents talk to their teens and provide support, the less likely that small problems will escalate into serious mental health issues.”
Recent work with youth in Thunder Bay revealed that most teens want their parents involved in their lives. It is critical for youth to feel loved, respected and supported. Doing so will help build their self esteem, foster positive relationships, and increase the potential for youth to reach out for help instead of coping with issues alone.
“Sometimes parents don’t understand the pressures teens are facing today and they may simply not know what to say or how to help,” says Tina Bennett, Residential Services Manager at Dilico Anishnabek Family Care. “We want to encourage parents to listen to their teens and increase the dialogue between them. Keeping communication lines open is an important first step in dealing with issues together. Parents also need to know that there is help in the community if they feel they need it.”
The multi-faceted “Your Teen Needs You!” campaign consists of ads in buses, transit shelters and newspapers, as well as billboards, radio ads, posters, and information cards, reaching the City and District of Thunder Bay. Supportive information on youth mental health can be found at www.HeresTheDeal.ca.
This campaign is funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, The Provincial Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health at CHEO, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, Children’s Centre Foundation Thunder Bay, Kids n’ Cops, and St. Joseph’s Care Group.
- 30 -