Websites offer advice to troubled teenagers

TWO NEW WEBSITES which offer practical advice to teenagers on issues such as depression, domestic abuse, parental separation and death, have recently come online.

Barnardos.ie/teenhelp, which has been established by the children’s charity Barnardos in conjunction with the Family Support Agency, was launched by Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Mary Hanafin, in Dublin yesterday.

It provides practical advice on a range of sensitive topics.

In addition to the new site, a free series of Parenting Positivelybooklets that contain practical information for parents of children between the ages of six and 12 years, has also been published.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Hanafin said that all families face pressures and need guidance to help them thorough problems.

“No families are immune from the stresses and strains that come with modern life, so having practical, targeted information available is vital,” said Ms Hanafin.

“Teenhelp is targeted at teenagers and will be a great support to them on a range of issues they may encounter throughout the various stages of their teenage years.

“The booklets will help parents cope with the challenges that may arise and provide understanding of the changes their teenager may be experiencing,” she added.

Barnardos said the new website and booklets would provide valuable assistance to children and parents, particularly at a time when families are under increased stress due to financial difficulties.

“What is unique about Teenhelp is that it combines online guidance for teenagers with linked guidance for parents on the same themes,” said Fergus Finlay, chief executive of Barnardos.

“It is hoped that this will make it easier for parents and teenagers to talk to each other about such difficult issues as coping with death or separation or mental health issues,” he added.

Meanwhile, a second website aimed at youngsters has also gone live over the past week.

Reachout.com, which deals with youth mental health issues, was launched late last week.

The site contains more than 300 factsheets and stories covering mental health issues faced by young people such as depression, anxiety, relationship problems and leaving home.

It is operated by the Inspire Ireland Foundation and is aimed at those aged between 16 and 25 years.

Figures from the National Office for Suicide Prevention suggest that mental health problems affect as many as 25 per cent of young people aged between the ages of 15 and 24.

• The Parenting Positivelybooklets are available from Barnardos Training and Resource Service on 01-4549699