In the first 72 days of 2024, 475 children and teens ages 17 and under in Maricopa County were taken to the emergency room or hospitalized for suicidal thoughts or a suicide attempt, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. But, positive connection with friends, family members or community members can be an important protective factor in reducing suicidal thoughts and attempts among teens.
Designated as a day to recognize teens’ accomplishments and show understanding for the challenges they face daily, National Teenager Day falls on Thursday, March 21 this year.
Everybody’s busy on a Thursday during the work and school week, but taking a moment to direct a kind word, some encouragement or a little appreciation to a teenager in your life on National Teenager Day could be just what they need.
“Most adults have heard the current statistics about high levels of depression, hopelessness and suicidal thoughts among today’s teenagers,” said Nikki Kontz, clinical director of the Teen Lifeline suicide prevention hotline. “A great way to boost a teenager’s attitude and self-esteem is to simply let them know that you care and that you appreciate them.”
She explained that sometimes, all you need to do is listen.
“Every year, our teenage volunteer peer counselors answer hundreds of calls and texts from teens throughout Arizona who say they just need someone to talk to because the adults in their lives just don’t understand what they’re going through or aren’t available to talk.” added Kontz.
There are many ways to get creative and come up with a plan on National Teenager Day. Here are a few favorites:
- Connect heart-to-heart. Make time to have a meaningful conversation and ask about their thoughts and feelings. Put down your phone, step away from distractions and listen attentively without judgment.
- Plan a fun activity. Choose something you both enjoy or go out of your way to do something your teen enjoys. The point is to create lasting memories by spending quality time together. Take a hike or cook a meal. The options are endless.
- Make your teen the teacher. Ask your teen to teach you something new. Whether it’s a TikTok dance, how to throw a perfect spiral or how to play their favorite video game. You’ll be surprised at the memories you can create when your teen teaches you.
- Plan a surprise. What does your teen want to do that is outside your day-to-day routine? The element of surprise could make a meal at a favorite restaurant or fun outdoor adventure even more memorable.
- Volunteer together. Let your teen choose a nonprofit organization, church or school where they would like to volunteer and then schedule time to go together. Volunteering can be rewarding while providing perspective about the serious physical, medical or financial issues other teens and families may be facing.
- Let the games begin. Plan a game night with family or friends. Share a lighthearted evening of bonding over board games, card games or video games.
- Give them a day off. Give the teen a day off from chores or family responsibilities. Be sure to let them know that you appreciate them and that you’re always there if they need support or guidance.
“Between physical changes, peer pressure, social media and thinking about the future, it’s tough being a teenager today, even in the best of circumstances,” Kontz said.
She urges parents, family members, teachers, coaches and clergy to think of National Teenager Day as a time to celebrate adolescence by reassuring the teens in your life that you’re always available to listen and be supportive.
“Even if they don’t say it back, when you tell your teens that they’re appreciated and accepted unconditionally, it makes a huge difference in their emotional and physical well-being,” said Kontz.
Teen Lifeline is an Arizona-based, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to prevent teen suicide by enhancing resiliency in youth and fostering supportive communities. Established in 1986, Teen Lifeline is accredited through the American Association of Suicidology. Teen Lifeline received nearly 48,000 calls and text messages in 2023.
For more information, visit TeenLifeline.org. For help, call or text Teen Lifeline at 602-248-TEEN (8336) or (800) 248-TEEN.
