Healthy Teens and Tweens: Mind, Body & Soul

Nichole King, Morgan Hill LibraryEureka! 2011

What inspired me?

A survey of middle and high school students in 2007-08 found that 16% had seriously considered attempting suicide in the past 12 months.

In 2007-08, 8% of middle and high school students reported that they actually attempted suicide in the past 12 months.

-Santa Clara County Health Profile Report

In 2005-2006, one quarter to one-third Of seventh, ninth and 11th graders Reported symptoms of depression (i.e.feeling so sad and hopeless for at least two weeks during the previous yearthat they stopped doing some regularactivities – Santa Clara County Children’sReport 2007

Survey ResultsA short survey was administered to see which subjects teens and parents were interested in.

“Mental illness in teens is too often ignored.”

Parents were most interested in• Healthy eating• Parent/Child Relationship• Exercise• Bullying

Teens were most interested in• Depression• Self-esteem• Stress relief• Healthy cooking classes

Tara Romero, Age 14November 2011

Sierra LaMar, Age 15March 2012

Orlando Hernandez, Age 16June 2012

The thing that haunts me about all of these kids is what they must have been thinking or feeling. The terror the girls must have felt in Tara’s last moments. Sierra’s fear. Orlando’s loneliness and depression. Kids shouldn’t have to feel those feelings. I think of Tara’s family. Sierra’s family. Orlando’s family. I think of their teachers. I think of the empty chairs in the classrooms that represented a young, intelligent, vibrant beings who were torn from our school through violence. –Ms. Guthrie

Partners

Program Spotlight: The Amanda Network

Teen Feedback

“So this meeting was a success because not only did it bring me awareness about how serious bully can be but it also opened the eyes of people around me.”

Armando Banuelos, YAC Member, 16

Program Spotlight: Glen Drake

Depression in Teens Stress

Management

Program Spotlight: Games

New Collection

Over 125 new titles

On permanent display in the teen area

Made 2 booklists to showcase and focuson the new collection

Circulated over 100 times

What now?

• Repeat the successful programs• Look for bigger partnerships• Expand the booklists • Keep the collection up to date