Arkansas is preparing to launch its first peer-to-peer youth support text line later this year. Officials said designed to connect teens with trained students their own age during difficult times.The Arkansas Crisis Center in Bentonville is developing AR Teen Connect. Organizers said texting is one of the most common ways teens communicate and can be an effective way to reach them when they need support.“It’s so much easier to open up to someone their age. We feel that adults are not always able to understand our conversations. It’s so important to have that bond,” said Olivia Bacon, a Haas Hall Academy senior participating in the program.Bacon said the training is helping her better understand coping skills and how to recognize warning signs when friends may be struggling.“A lot of my friends I talk to about stress, and with this training I feel I’m better able to talk to them about it and make it less about me and more about them,” she said.Organizers said students will receive training in active listening, suicide prevention, crisis recognition and peer support techniques. A trained adult will be available at all times to provide additional support and guidance when needed.“We feel connection is the intervention,” said Deborah Capps, director of advancement and strategy at the Arkansas Crisis Center.AR Teen Connect is expected to launch statewide on Sept. 1.
BENTONVILLE, Ark. —
Arkansas is preparing to launch its first peer-to-peer youth support text line later this year. Officials said designed to connect teens with trained students their own age during difficult times.
The Arkansas Crisis Center in Bentonville is developing AR Teen Connect. Organizers said texting is one of the most common ways teens communicate and can be an effective way to reach them when they need support.
“It’s so much easier to open up to someone their age. We feel that adults are not always able to understand our conversations. It’s so important to have that bond,” said Olivia Bacon, a Haas Hall Academy senior participating in the program.
Bacon said the training is helping her better understand coping skills and how to recognize warning signs when friends may be struggling.
“A lot of my friends I talk to about stress, and with this training I feel I’m better able to talk to them about it and make it less about me and more about them,” she said.
Organizers said students will receive training in active listening, suicide prevention, crisis recognition and peer support techniques. A trained adult will be available at all times to provide additional support and guidance when needed.
“We feel connection is the intervention,” said Deborah Capps, director of advancement and strategy at the Arkansas Crisis Center.
AR Teen Connect is expected to launch statewide on Sept. 1.