Resources
Regional Resources available on separate page
Stop Bullying
Love government websites, but hate bullying?
This one is for you!
http://www.stopbullying.gov/
Minnesota Center Against Violence & Abuse
This is not a regional website, nor is it about little tiny carbonated beverages. MINCAVA is an electronic clearinghouse of information, "To support research, education, and access to violence-related resources." (And that includes bullying.)
http://www.mincava.umn.edu/
Stop Cyberbullying
The title is pretty much self-explanatory.
http://www.stopcyberbullying.org/
Find Help App on Facebook
Being harassed via social networking? There's an app for that....
http://apps.facebook.com/findhelp/
Central Arkansas Library System: Teen Topics
National links... and international, if you count Canada!
http://www.cals.lib.ar.us/teens/teen-topics.aspx
Rachel Simmons
Expert on "girl bullying" with excellent resources on cyberbullying as well.
This page is useful for guys, especially if you know girls or ever plan on dating someone female. Guys do use relational bullying, even if it's not the gold standard
of general boy bullying.
http://www.rachelsimmons.com/
Rosalind Wiseman
Expert on "girl bullying," and author of the book that inspired Mean Girls.
This site is mostly for adults, but maybe it'll help your parent/s understand.
http://rosalindwiseman.com/
The Ophelia Project
You don't need to know Elizabethan English to read this site--it has nothing to do with Shakespeare, but much ado about non-violent relational bullying.
http://www.opheliaproject.org/main/index.htm
Pacer Center's Teens Against Bullying
If you're a teen and not for bullying....
http://www.pacerteensagainstbullying.org/
Pacer Center's Kids Against Bullying
Bright, multimedia interactive site aimed at grade school and junior high students.
http://www.pacerkidsagainstbullying.org/
The Healthy Workplace Bill
It would allow people to take action against severe patterns of workplace mistreatment.
http://www.healthyworkplacebill.org/
Teen Screen National Center for Mental Health Checkups
"We are committed to translating science into service by working to have mental health screenings incorporated into routine adolescent health care."
http://www.teenscreen.org/
FDA on Cosmetics
Cosmetics safety, info, and where to report bad reactions to cosmetics.
http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/default.htm
Girls4Health
"This site was created to help girls (ages 10-16) learn about health, growing up, and issues they may face."
http://www.girlshealth.gov/
Stayteen
While the focus of the site is to prevent unplanned pregnancy and STDs,
Stayteen has useful information on relationships and communication.
http://www.stayteen.org/
Teenage Parent-Life in the Fast Lane
Okay, the website looks very 1993, but assorted practical resources are listed, including info on child support and paternity testing.
http://www.teenageparent.org/
STD Information & Clinic List
A very important website, but FYI, don't eat while you read the STD/STI descriptions.
Just because you don't have symptoms, doesn't mean you're safe.
"STDs are commonly spread and continue to be highly contagious."
http://www.stdtestclinics.com/
Scarleteen
(Note: Not aimed at younger readers.)
"Scarleteen is an independent, grassroots sexuality education and support organization and website. Founded in 1998, Scarleteen.com is visited by around three-quarters of a million diverse people each month worldwide, most between the ages of 15 and 25. It is the highest-ranked website for sex education and sexuality advice online and has held that rank through most of its tenure."
http://www.scarleteen.com/
Sexual Harassment Resources for Teens
How to deal with creepers, and also awkward peers who need to learn how inappropriate their behavior is.
http://teenadvice.about.com/od/sexualharassment/Dealing_with_Sexual_Harassment_at_School.htm
Teen Dating Violence Toolkit-New Mexico Public Education Department
Useful for everyone, not just teens in New Mexico, and it's printable!
Fun Fact: Although New Mexico and Mexico are both known for flavorful salsa, they're totally different places.
http://www.ped.state.nm.us/SchoolFamilySupport/dl09/2009%20NM%20TDV%20Toolkit%20%282%29.pdf
National Dating Abuse Hotline
Relationship abuse is never okay.
Even if you're ugly and they always say it won't happen again, you deserve better.
http://www.loveisrespect.org/
Teens Against Relationship Abuse (T.E.A.R.)
If your "friend" is in an abusive relationship, go here whether the "friend" is secretly you, or really is another person.
http://www.teensagainstabuse.org/
The Red Flag Campaign
No, not an historical site on bullfighting. They encourage "friends and other campus community members to 'say something' when they see warning signs ('red flags') for dating violence in a friend’s relationship."
http://www.theredflagcampaign.org/
Teen Relationship Abuse
Articles on physically and emotionally abusive relationships.
This is aimed at adults, but IMHO if you're mature enough to seek help, you're mature enough to read sad articles filled with solid advice.
http://www.livestrong.com/teen-relationship-abuse/
It Gets Better Project
Are you a bullied LGBTQ youth in want of inspirational videos? Are you a straight person who likes pep talks?
http://www.itgetsbetter.org/
The Trevor Project
Are you an LGBTQ youth who is depressed, even after watching inspirational videos?
Here's a 24-hour suicide prevention hotline. Please call them, or get help somewhere, and keep on living, okay?
http://www.thetrevorproject.org/
The Safe Schools Coalition
Are you being bullied because people know or suspect you're LGBTQ? Are you straight and supportive of friends?
Are you a teacher or other adult looking for info on creating a safe atmosphere?
http://www.safeschoolscoalition.org/
Safe Teens
Being safe on the internet is about more than avoiding your friend's awful YouTube karaoke videos. Learn how to protect yourself and your identity online.
http://www.safeteens.com/
National Safe Place
Even if you're safe, bookmark this site--a friend may need it. "Any youth under age 18 can get help at a Safe Place site. If you are having problems at home, suffering from abuse or neglect, lost or in some dangerous situation, with a drunk or unsafe driver, or just need to talk about a problem, go to the nearest Safe Place site."
http://www.nationalsafeplace.org/
Covenant House: Rights of Passage
Transitional Housing & Independent Living for Homeless Kids
http://www.covenanthouse.org/youth-homeless-programs/transitional-housing
HumanTrafficking.org
Especially important for homeless youth to read, as you're at greater risk.
"Poverty and lack of economic opportunity make women and children potential victims of traffickers associated with international criminal organizations."
http://www.humantrafficking.org/combat_trafficking/prevention
Human Trafficking Handbook
Downloadable book on what to look for, and what to do when suspicious.
http://oja.state.wi.us/docview.asp?docid=16897&locid=97
Gang Violence Prevention
Because gangs these days don't just sing and dance.
Yes, "voilence" is a typo, or maybe they meant to say,
"Voilà, here is zee website against gang violence!"
http://www.ncpc.org/topics/gang-voilence-prevention
Drug Abuse
Teens share personal stories. Science behind drug abuse.
Also, there are many shiny buttons to click.
http://teens.drugabuse.gov/
Alateen
When the people around you keep abusing drugs and alcohol. And it's not verbal abuse like, "Hey beer, nice can! Is it recyclable like yo mama?"
http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/
Eating Disorders
Eating paste may not be a disorder, so much as an odd habit that squicks out others. But if you do eat paste, or suspect you have a more common eating disorder, or others suggest you might, or you have food and/or body issues, please check out this site.
http://www.eatingdisordershelpguide.com/
Mental Health America
"With over a century of advocacy, public education, and the delivery of programs and services..."
http://www.nmha.org/
American Psychological Association
This is mainly for adults, but there are links to find help. Bonus: If you have any reports for school, there are articles from peer-reviewed journals you can cite, and you'll probably get a good grade because they're serious business.
http://www.apa.org/helpcenter
NCLD (National Center for Learning Disabilities)
"To ensure success for all individuals with learning disabilities in school, at work and in life."
http://www.ncld.org/
SOAR (Success Oriented Achievement Realized)
"Providing adventure based wilderness programs and experiential education services to individuals and families dealing with learning disabilities and/or attention deficit disorders."
http://www.soarnc.org/#
LD Online
Nothing to do with laser diodes, plenty to do with learning disabilities.
"LD OnLine.org is the world's leading website on learning disabilities and ADHD."
http://www.ldonline.org/kids
National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities
Lots and lots of information, including legal contacts...
Because not everyone can unstucken the "disabled" tickybox.
http://nichcy.org/
Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund
DREDF is not a grindcore band.
http://www.dredf.org/
Teen Victim Project
Resources presented by The National Center for Victims of Crime.
Their stance is anti-crime, in case that wasn't clear.
http://www.ncvc.org/tvp/Main.aspx
Childhelp's Help for Kids
If you're a current victim of child abuse.
Yes, even if you're a nearly-adult teen and not
a child, this page is for you.
http://www.childhelp.org/pages/help-for-kids
Boot Camp for Kids
So you're a troubled teen and your kind-but-misled parents are thinking of shipping you off to a "tough love" boot camp. While you like wearing really cool boots, you dislike physical abuse coupled with psychological torture. Here's a resource to share with them.
http://www.nospank.net/boot.htm
National Whistleblowers Center
"A non-partisan, non-profit, advocacy organization with a 20-year history of protecting the right of individuals to speak out about wrongdoing in the workplace without fear of retaliation."
http://www.whistleblowers.org/
OSHA Teen Workers Safety and Health Topics page
How to survive work--literally.
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/teenworkers/index.html
Drug Dangers
You already know meth is bad, but legal drugs and medications can have side-effects.
http://www.drugdangers.com/
Center for Children's Law and Policy
No, the lawyers are not children.
http://www.cclp.org/
Juvenile Law Center
"Juvenile Law Center promotes juvenile justice and child welfare reform in Pennsylvania and nationwide through policy initiatives and public education forums."
http://www.jlc.org/
Kidscape's Bully Log
Keeping records of bullying is a lot better than just telling a teacher that someone is being mean.
Download it, print it, use it.
http://www.kidscape.org.uk/parents/bullylog.shtml
American Psychiatric Association (APA): Healthy minds. Healthy Lives.
Despite claims to the contrary, selling automobiles slightly below Kelly Blue Book pricing is not evidence--in itself--of a mental disorder.
"Information on many common mental health concerns, including warning signs of mental disorders, treatment options and preventative measures."
http://healthyminds.org/
Review of evidence-based practices for children exposed to violence
PDF file with lots of big words explains which types of therapy actually work. Make sure your school has a copy. And your parents. If your parrot wishes to seek help for his constant need to be approved as a "pretty bird," get him a copy.
"The Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services have published this 2011 report, which includes a matrix of 42 effective programs and 13 promising programs that address childhood exposure to violence."
http://www.safestartcenter.org/pdf/Evidence-Based-Practices-Matrix_2011.pdf
Black Youth Project
"The Black Youth Project’s website is a cyber-resource center for black youth and all those who are committed to enriching the lives of black youth."
http://www.blackyouthproject.com/resources/organizations/washington-d-c/
The Harry Potter Alliance
"We are an army of fans, activists, nerdfighters, teenagers, wizards and muggles dedicated to fighting for social justice with the greatest weapon we have--love."
http://thehpalliance.org/
826 National
"826 National is a nonprofit tutoring, writing, and publishing organization with locations in eight cities across the country. Our goal is to assist students ages six to eighteen with their writing skills, and to help teachers get their classes excited about writing."
Centers in: San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, Ann Arbor, Chicago, Seattle, Boston, and Washington, DC
http://826national.org/
Teen Reads
Resource for YA Books that includes author interviews and profiles, book reviews, blogs, polls, contests and more.
http://www.teenreads.com/
Kids Need to Read
"Kids Need to Read is a national nonprofit foundation that promotes childhood literacy and addresses the crisis in library funding that currently exists in the United States."
KNTR also runs a charitable "Peace Package" program where books about non-aggressive problem resolution are distributed to schools and literacy programs.
http://www.kidsneedtoread.org/
Teen Ink
An online magazine for teens, written entirely by teens.
It's even cooler than it sounds.
http://www.teenink.com/
Curvy Girl Revolution
This website is aimed at full-figured female adults, but it has tips and advice applicable to teens, and a positive message about self-esteem at any size.
http://curvygirlrevolution.com/
Stop Bullying
Love government websites, but hate bullying?
This one is for you!
http://www.stopbullying.gov/
Minnesota Center Against Violence & Abuse
This is not a regional website, nor is it about little tiny carbonated beverages. MINCAVA is an electronic clearinghouse of information, "To support research, education, and access to violence-related resources." (And that includes bullying.)
http://www.mincava.umn.edu/
Stop Cyberbullying
The title is pretty much self-explanatory.
http://www.stopcyberbullying.org/
Find Help App on Facebook
Being harassed via social networking? There's an app for that....
http://apps.facebook.com/findhelp/
Central Arkansas Library System: Teen Topics
National links... and international, if you count Canada!
http://www.cals.lib.ar.us/teens/teen-topics.aspx
Rachel Simmons
Expert on "girl bullying" with excellent resources on cyberbullying as well.
This page is useful for guys, especially if you know girls or ever plan on dating someone female. Guys do use relational bullying, even if it's not the gold standard
of general boy bullying.
http://www.rachelsimmons.com/
Rosalind Wiseman
Expert on "girl bullying," and author of the book that inspired Mean Girls.
This site is mostly for adults, but maybe it'll help your parent/s understand.
http://rosalindwiseman.com/
The Ophelia Project
You don't need to know Elizabethan English to read this site--it has nothing to do with Shakespeare, but much ado about non-violent relational bullying.
http://www.opheliaproject.org/main/index.htm
Pacer Center's Teens Against Bullying
If you're a teen and not for bullying....
http://www.pacerteensagainstbullying.org/
Pacer Center's Kids Against Bullying
Bright, multimedia interactive site aimed at grade school and junior high students.
http://www.pacerkidsagainstbullying.org/
The Healthy Workplace Bill
It would allow people to take action against severe patterns of workplace mistreatment.
http://www.healthyworkplacebill.org/
Teen Screen National Center for Mental Health Checkups
"We are committed to translating science into service by working to have mental health screenings incorporated into routine adolescent health care."
http://www.teenscreen.org/
FDA on Cosmetics
Cosmetics safety, info, and where to report bad reactions to cosmetics.
http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/default.htm
Girls4Health
"This site was created to help girls (ages 10-16) learn about health, growing up, and issues they may face."
http://www.girlshealth.gov/
Stayteen
While the focus of the site is to prevent unplanned pregnancy and STDs,
Stayteen has useful information on relationships and communication.
http://www.stayteen.org/
Teenage Parent-Life in the Fast Lane
Okay, the website looks very 1993, but assorted practical resources are listed, including info on child support and paternity testing.
http://www.teenageparent.org/
STD Information & Clinic List
A very important website, but FYI, don't eat while you read the STD/STI descriptions.
Just because you don't have symptoms, doesn't mean you're safe.
"STDs are commonly spread and continue to be highly contagious."
http://www.stdtestclinics.com/
Scarleteen
(Note: Not aimed at younger readers.)
"Scarleteen is an independent, grassroots sexuality education and support organization and website. Founded in 1998, Scarleteen.com is visited by around three-quarters of a million diverse people each month worldwide, most between the ages of 15 and 25. It is the highest-ranked website for sex education and sexuality advice online and has held that rank through most of its tenure."
http://www.scarleteen.com/
Sexual Harassment Resources for Teens
How to deal with creepers, and also awkward peers who need to learn how inappropriate their behavior is.
http://teenadvice.about.com/od/sexualharassment/Dealing_with_Sexual_Harassment_at_School.htm
Teen Dating Violence Toolkit-New Mexico Public Education Department
Useful for everyone, not just teens in New Mexico, and it's printable!
Fun Fact: Although New Mexico and Mexico are both known for flavorful salsa, they're totally different places.
http://www.ped.state.nm.us/SchoolFamilySupport/dl09/2009%20NM%20TDV%20Toolkit%20%282%29.pdf
National Dating Abuse Hotline
Relationship abuse is never okay.
Even if you're ugly and they always say it won't happen again, you deserve better.
http://www.loveisrespect.org/
Teens Against Relationship Abuse (T.E.A.R.)
If your "friend" is in an abusive relationship, go here whether the "friend" is secretly you, or really is another person.
http://www.teensagainstabuse.org/
The Red Flag Campaign
No, not an historical site on bullfighting. They encourage "friends and other campus community members to 'say something' when they see warning signs ('red flags') for dating violence in a friend’s relationship."
http://www.theredflagcampaign.org/
Teen Relationship Abuse
Articles on physically and emotionally abusive relationships.
This is aimed at adults, but IMHO if you're mature enough to seek help, you're mature enough to read sad articles filled with solid advice.
http://www.livestrong.com/teen-relationship-abuse/
It Gets Better Project
Are you a bullied LGBTQ youth in want of inspirational videos? Are you a straight person who likes pep talks?
http://www.itgetsbetter.org/
The Trevor Project
Are you an LGBTQ youth who is depressed, even after watching inspirational videos?
Here's a 24-hour suicide prevention hotline. Please call them, or get help somewhere, and keep on living, okay?
http://www.thetrevorproject.org/
The Safe Schools Coalition
Are you being bullied because people know or suspect you're LGBTQ? Are you straight and supportive of friends?
Are you a teacher or other adult looking for info on creating a safe atmosphere?
http://www.safeschoolscoalition.org/
Safe Teens
Being safe on the internet is about more than avoiding your friend's awful YouTube karaoke videos. Learn how to protect yourself and your identity online.
http://www.safeteens.com/
National Safe Place
Even if you're safe, bookmark this site--a friend may need it. "Any youth under age 18 can get help at a Safe Place site. If you are having problems at home, suffering from abuse or neglect, lost or in some dangerous situation, with a drunk or unsafe driver, or just need to talk about a problem, go to the nearest Safe Place site."
http://www.nationalsafeplace.org/
Covenant House: Rights of Passage
Transitional Housing & Independent Living for Homeless Kids
http://www.covenanthouse.org/youth-homeless-programs/transitional-housing
HumanTrafficking.org
Especially important for homeless youth to read, as you're at greater risk.
"Poverty and lack of economic opportunity make women and children potential victims of traffickers associated with international criminal organizations."
http://www.humantrafficking.org/combat_trafficking/prevention
Human Trafficking Handbook
Downloadable book on what to look for, and what to do when suspicious.
http://oja.state.wi.us/docview.asp?docid=16897&locid=97
Gang Violence Prevention
Because gangs these days don't just sing and dance.
Yes, "voilence" is a typo, or maybe they meant to say,
"Voilà, here is zee website against gang violence!"
http://www.ncpc.org/topics/gang-voilence-prevention
Drug Abuse
Teens share personal stories. Science behind drug abuse.
Also, there are many shiny buttons to click.
http://teens.drugabuse.gov/
Alateen
When the people around you keep abusing drugs and alcohol. And it's not verbal abuse like, "Hey beer, nice can! Is it recyclable like yo mama?"
http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/
Eating Disorders
Eating paste may not be a disorder, so much as an odd habit that squicks out others. But if you do eat paste, or suspect you have a more common eating disorder, or others suggest you might, or you have food and/or body issues, please check out this site.
http://www.eatingdisordershelpguide.com/
Mental Health America
"With over a century of advocacy, public education, and the delivery of programs and services..."
http://www.nmha.org/
American Psychological Association
This is mainly for adults, but there are links to find help. Bonus: If you have any reports for school, there are articles from peer-reviewed journals you can cite, and you'll probably get a good grade because they're serious business.
http://www.apa.org/helpcenter
NCLD (National Center for Learning Disabilities)
"To ensure success for all individuals with learning disabilities in school, at work and in life."
http://www.ncld.org/
SOAR (Success Oriented Achievement Realized)
"Providing adventure based wilderness programs and experiential education services to individuals and families dealing with learning disabilities and/or attention deficit disorders."
http://www.soarnc.org/#
LD Online
Nothing to do with laser diodes, plenty to do with learning disabilities.
"LD OnLine.org is the world's leading website on learning disabilities and ADHD."
http://www.ldonline.org/kids
National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities
Lots and lots of information, including legal contacts...
Because not everyone can unstucken the "disabled" tickybox.
http://nichcy.org/
Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund
DREDF is not a grindcore band.
http://www.dredf.org/
Teen Victim Project
Resources presented by The National Center for Victims of Crime.
Their stance is anti-crime, in case that wasn't clear.
http://www.ncvc.org/tvp/Main.aspx
Childhelp's Help for Kids
If you're a current victim of child abuse.
Yes, even if you're a nearly-adult teen and not
a child, this page is for you.
http://www.childhelp.org/pages/help-for-kids
Boot Camp for Kids
So you're a troubled teen and your kind-but-misled parents are thinking of shipping you off to a "tough love" boot camp. While you like wearing really cool boots, you dislike physical abuse coupled with psychological torture. Here's a resource to share with them.
http://www.nospank.net/boot.htm
National Whistleblowers Center
"A non-partisan, non-profit, advocacy organization with a 20-year history of protecting the right of individuals to speak out about wrongdoing in the workplace without fear of retaliation."
http://www.whistleblowers.org/
OSHA Teen Workers Safety and Health Topics page
How to survive work--literally.
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/teenworkers/index.html
Drug Dangers
You already know meth is bad, but legal drugs and medications can have side-effects.
http://www.drugdangers.com/
Center for Children's Law and Policy
No, the lawyers are not children.
http://www.cclp.org/
Juvenile Law Center
"Juvenile Law Center promotes juvenile justice and child welfare reform in Pennsylvania and nationwide through policy initiatives and public education forums."
http://www.jlc.org/
Kidscape's Bully Log
Keeping records of bullying is a lot better than just telling a teacher that someone is being mean.
Download it, print it, use it.
http://www.kidscape.org.uk/parents/bullylog.shtml
American Psychiatric Association (APA): Healthy minds. Healthy Lives.
Despite claims to the contrary, selling automobiles slightly below Kelly Blue Book pricing is not evidence--in itself--of a mental disorder.
"Information on many common mental health concerns, including warning signs of mental disorders, treatment options and preventative measures."
http://healthyminds.org/
Review of evidence-based practices for children exposed to violence
PDF file with lots of big words explains which types of therapy actually work. Make sure your school has a copy. And your parents. If your parrot wishes to seek help for his constant need to be approved as a "pretty bird," get him a copy.
"The Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services have published this 2011 report, which includes a matrix of 42 effective programs and 13 promising programs that address childhood exposure to violence."
http://www.safestartcenter.org/pdf/Evidence-Based-Practices-Matrix_2011.pdf
Black Youth Project
"The Black Youth Project’s website is a cyber-resource center for black youth and all those who are committed to enriching the lives of black youth."
http://www.blackyouthproject.com/resources/organizations/washington-d-c/
The Harry Potter Alliance
"We are an army of fans, activists, nerdfighters, teenagers, wizards and muggles dedicated to fighting for social justice with the greatest weapon we have--love."
http://thehpalliance.org/
826 National
"826 National is a nonprofit tutoring, writing, and publishing organization with locations in eight cities across the country. Our goal is to assist students ages six to eighteen with their writing skills, and to help teachers get their classes excited about writing."
Centers in: San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, Ann Arbor, Chicago, Seattle, Boston, and Washington, DC
http://826national.org/
Teen Reads
Resource for YA Books that includes author interviews and profiles, book reviews, blogs, polls, contests and more.
http://www.teenreads.com/
Kids Need to Read
"Kids Need to Read is a national nonprofit foundation that promotes childhood literacy and addresses the crisis in library funding that currently exists in the United States."
KNTR also runs a charitable "Peace Package" program where books about non-aggressive problem resolution are distributed to schools and literacy programs.
http://www.kidsneedtoread.org/
Teen Ink
An online magazine for teens, written entirely by teens.
It's even cooler than it sounds.
http://www.teenink.com/
Curvy Girl Revolution
This website is aimed at full-figured female adults, but it has tips and advice applicable to teens, and a positive message about self-esteem at any size.
http://curvygirlrevolution.com/