In the current age of the internet, social media is arguably a big aspect of many teen’s lives. Social media can provide a sense of connection, entertainment, and education. However, social media can also lead to developing insecurities, losing a sense of reality, and even exposure to predators. SDC Youth Advisory Board members Lily, Bryah, Lilli, and Ari discuss their first experiences on the internet, the pros and cons of social media use, trends, and more.

Teens face many things, including peer pressure and underage drinking. Sometimes it can be difficult to recognize and understand the short and long term effects of underage drinking, alcohol misuse, and family history on the developing brain of a teen. Some choices can have a lasting impact on youth. Listen is as SDC’s Youth Advisory Board members Lily, Clarke, and Bryah dive into their experiences being around alcohol, the downsides of drinking, laws and policies, and more. 

As teens, it’s hard deciphering from right and wrong, especially when it comes to relationships. Being young, easily influenced, and not having many diverse experiences, it’s not always easy to recognize toxic signs and red flags. Listen as our Youthology podcast discuss their experiences, toxic signs to look for, and how to set healthy boundaries.

Sometimes Your Heart Needs More Time to Accept What Your Mind Already Knows

It’s hard to identify and step away from toxic relationships. In Let’s Talk Toxic Relationships, SDC Youth Advisory Board members Carlos, Clarke, Lilli, and Ari discuss their experiences dealing with toxic relationships. It may be tough, but recognizing the signs of toxicity and finding support are essential to creating healthy relationships.

Conversation highlights:

Toxic relationships with

• Friends
• Family
• Technology / Social Media
• Food
• Gaslighting
• Attachment theory
• Creating healthy relationships
• Positive affirmations

Talking about mental health is not always easy. How do you approach others when discussing mental health or asking for help? How do you spot symptoms of depression in your friends or even in yourself? In this podcast episode, SDC’s Youth Advisory Board discuss mental health, seasonal depression, their experiences, what resources have helped them and more.

Helping Yourself Can Also Help Others

Mental health conditions are not uncommon and shouldn’t be scary. In Let’s Talk Mental Health (link), SDC Youth Advisory Board members Carlos, Clarke, Lilli, and Ari discuss being teens and dealing with mental health. Listen as they discuss their journeys navigating their own mental health and also how they see it being depicted in society. Conversation highlights:

• Stigmas surrounding mental health
• Mental health signs in friends
• Mental health and social media
• Mental health treatment and resources
• 5 Senses Grounding Technique