Hotline Offers Online Chat for Teens

Teens are more connected than ever before with millions signing online every day. But all this time spent with "friends" online can still leave kids feeling lonely and misunderstood. That's where the Boys Town National Hotline comes in.

The Hotline now offers instant messaging or "online chat" to teens at yourlifeyourvoice.org. This teen site offers this and other alternative ways for kids to connect. For many teens, online chatting seems less threatening because it's what they know. 

The goal of online chat is to encourage teens to open up and identify their issues. Ideally after a counselor chats with them about what they are feeling, kids will have identified some coping skills and feel better about their situation.  They are also encouraged to call or email the Hotline and talk with their parents for more immediate help.

Encourage your teens to express themselves at yourlifeyourvoice.org. It may be just the outlet they've been searching for.