It is estimated that one in five teenagers has symptoms of a mental health problem such as depression or anxiety, and suicide is the second leading cause of death among teenagers.
But the first person a teenager trusts may not always be an adult – they may prefer to talk to another teenager.
And three-quarters of parents in a new national poll think peers understand teenage challenges better, compared to teachers or counselors in school. Most also agree that peer support leaders at school would encourage more teens to talk to someone about their mental health problems, according to the CS Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Child Health at Michigan Medicine.
“Peers can provide valuable support to fellow teens who are struggling with emotional issues as they can relate to each other,” says Mott Poll Co-Director Sarah Clark, MPH
“Some teenagers may be worried that their parents will be overwhelmed or that they don’t understand what they are going through. Teachers and school counselors may only have a short time to talk to students in the middle of other duties. “
Previous research suggests that up to half of children and adolescents with at least one mental health disorder may not receive treatment because of a number of barriers. However, teenagers who do not have a situation that is characterized by emotions, peer and family relationships, anxiety, academic challenges, substance abuse or other factors that adversely affect self-esteem may have occasional problems. respect.
These conditions may increase the risk of developing or triggering depression during tween and teenage years, experts say.
Some schools have set up peer support leaders to provide safe channels for teenagers to share problems. Teenagers who are counselors in these programs are trained with the eye of teachers, counselors or mental health professionals.
They are available to speak to their classmates on a walk-in basis at a designated place in the school or by contacting school staff.
“We’ve seen strong examples of school programs that prepare teens to be good listeners and to point out warning signs about suicide or other serious problems,” Clark says.
“The role of peer support mentors is to listen, suggest problem-solving strategies, share information about resources, and, where appropriate, encourage the fellow student to seek help. . The most essential task is to build up signs that indicate the student’s immediate need. attention, and to warn the adults who are watching the program. While this does not replace the need for professional support, these programs offer a risk-free way for young people to start working through their difficulties. “
The national representative election report included responses from 1,000 parents of 13-18 year old teens about their views on programs as peer support leaders.
Measuring benefits and concerns about peer support
Most parents say they see benefits for peer counseling programs. Thirty-eight percent believe that if their teenager was struggling with a mental health problem, it is likely that their teenager would talk to a peer support director and 41% of parents say that it is possible for their teenager to take advantage of this option. Another 21% say their child is unlikely to seek help from a mentor.
However, parents expressed some concerns about peers providing mental health support to other teens as well. Some were concerned about whether peers would keep their teenager’s information confidential (62%), if the peer leader knew when and how to report a problem to adults (57%), if the peer leader would be able to tell if their teenager needs immediate emergency help (53%), and if teenagers can be trained to provide this type of support (47%).
“Some of the biggest concerns parents had were whether the peer leader would be able to tell if their teenager needed immediate professional intervention and how to start their career. -next steps, “Clark says.
Despite these concerns, a third of parents still say they are “definitely in favor” of having a peer support leader program through their teen’s school, and 46% say they would they would seem to support such a program.
A quarter of parents also say their teenager already has some peer support program at school – and these parents are twice as likely to make such efforts.
This suggests that parental support will increase once they understand how peer support programs work. Most parents agree with the philosophy for peer support programs but may be unsure to see how they work and benefit students. “
Sarah Clark, MPH, Associate Director of Research, Mott Poll, Michigan Medicine-University of Michigan
Two thirds of parents, or 64%, would allow their teenager to be trained as a peer support leader, recognizing the benefits to their child’s community, school and individual growth.
However, about half of the parents were concerned about whether there would be enough training and that their teenager could feel responsible if something bad happened to a student using the program. About 30% were unsure if their teenager was mature enough to be a peer support leader.
“Most parents allow their teenager to be trained as a peer support leader, seeing it as an opportunity to develop leadership skills and gain a better understanding of the challenges facing transition teenagers. different, “Clark says.” But many also wanted reassurance that the adult guidance and support needed by teens in these roles to deal with emotional situations would be difficult. “
“Close contact with experienced adults is an essential part of the school peers mental health program, especially in relation to suicide prevention,” she says.
Clark says parents of teens who are considering service as a peer support leader may want to learn more about the training and resources on offer, including whether the peer support leaders co. -aois receive counseling and support in the event of a negative outcome.
She also said that when it comes to young people’s mental health, “it takes a city” to support them and help identify warning signs that they may be in trouble.
“The adults in teenagers’ lives – including parents, teachers, and other counselors – play vital roles in challenging times,” Clark says. ages are also an undeveloped resource to help teenagers who need someone to talk to. “
Source:
Michigan Medicine – University of Michigan