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TEENS:

Life Stuff

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Adolescence & early adulthood are full of transitions and learning opportunities—but you don't have to go it alone! We've compiled some lists of the essentials to help you grow, stay healthy, and learn to live independently.

 

Topics include healthy body & mind, learning to drive, financial wellness, cooking, moving out, getting involved in your community, and more. Resources for college & career planning can be found in a separate guide.

Help & Hotlines

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  • Crisis Text Line - Visit the website or text HELLO to 741741 to chat with a Crisis Counselor 24/7.​

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  • Love is Respect - Visit the website,  text “LOVEIS” to 22522, or call 1-866-331-9474 to talk with a peer advocate to prevent and end abusive relationships.

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  • National Eating Disorder Association - The NEDA Helpline is available M-Th from 9am-9pm, and F from 9am-5pm. Call 1-800-931-2237 for support, resources and treatment options for you or a loved one.

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  • Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR) - Located at 81 South 19th Street, Pittsburgh. If you have been a victim of sexual violence, call the 24/7 confidential helpline at 
    1-866-END RAPE or 1-866-363-7273.

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  • Teen Line - A confidential, peer-based hotline where you can vent, share, and get support from a trained teen. Call (310) 855-HOPE or (800) TLC-TEEN (nationwide toll-free).

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  • Trans Lifeline - Call (877) 565-8860, this hotline is staffed by volunteers who are all trans-identified and educated in the range of difficulties transgender people experience. Operators are generally available 24/7.

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  • The Trevor Lifeline (LGBT-friendly) - If you are in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk, call now at 866-4-U-TREVOR (488-7386). Counselors are available 24/7.​

Financial Wellness

Moving Out

Healthy Body & Mind

  • Addiction Center - Provides information and treatment options for teens and parents alike whose lives have been affected by addiction.​

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  • Break the Cycle - Website for young people about building healthy relationships and creating a culture without abuse.

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  • Facts for Families - Resource from the American Academy of Childhood & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) with concise and up-to-date information on issues that affect children, teenagers, and their families. 

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  • Girls' Health - Website by the U.S. Office of Women's Health and the Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) that provides tween and teen girls with information on topics like health & fitness, feelings, drugs and alcohol, disability, and more.

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  • Go Ask Alice - Search for answers on various health-related topics answered by a team of Columbia University health professionals.

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  • Mind Your Mind - Exists in the space where mental health, wellness, engagement, and technology meet. Get information on mental health conditions, find help, and get connected with tools to express yourself.

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  • Planned Parenthood for Teens - Provides convenient access to a comprehensive range of quality reproductive health care and sexual health information.

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  • Scarleteen - Inclusive, comprehensive, and supportive information on sexuality and relationships for teens and emerging adults of all genders.

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  • Sex, Etc. - Articles on sexuality and relationships written by teens, for teens.​

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  • Teens Health - Features articles and information approved by doctors on topics of physical, emotional, and behavioral health.

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Learning to Drive

  • PennDOT Teen Driver Services - Find the official PA drivers' manual. as well as information on how to get your permit, take your driver's test, and more. Example knowledge tests available.

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  • TeenDriving.com - Features hundreds of driving tips including ones for driving in bad weather, driving in the country, tips for buying a used car, finding an online driving course, tire safety, driving laws, selecting auto insurance, and more.

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  • Teen Drive 365 - From Toyota & Discovery Education, this site offers a comprehensive program for helping teens avoid distractions & stay safe while driving.

Handy Skills &
Life Hacks

Cooking for Yourself

getting involved

  • Rock the Vote - A nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to building the political power of young people with resources to arm you with the knowledge to make informed decisions when you do your civic duty and vote.

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  • DoSomething.org - What causes are you passionate about — animal welfare, the environment, anti-gun violence? See how you can get involved and join the movement.

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  • Youth Activism Project -  Find information and resources on how to do important work within your community; learn how to plan a protest, rally, or town hall; and get active with political advocacy.

Need more help finding the right resources for you? Our CPL librarians are here to help!

Call us at (412) 922-6877 or stop in to set up an appointment to talk with us.

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