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The TeenHelp Project Blog contains a large collection of information about TeenHelp, and provides a place where you can discuss each news item, including TeenHelp's announcements, notices, and Newsletter releases, among other things.
Newsletter #1.
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TeenHelp Newsletter #1 - April 15th 2010 - http://www.teenhelp.org
Welcome to the TeenHelp Newsletter! Our Newsletter contains a lot of useful information about our current work, including updates to our site and services, work with our partners and affiliates, details of upcoming events, short bits of advice, interesting links and more!
==========
TeenHelp News
TeenHelp regularly makes changes to its site and services. Some of these are large and noticeable, and others are small and much less so, but each one contributes to the positive development of TeenHelp and how our users experience our community. Below are some of the most recent developments.
==========
Newsletter (April 15th 2010)
This is the first issue of TeenHelp's brand new monthly Newsletter, due to be published on the 15th of each month, in between Avatar releases. Our goal with this Newsletter is to keep you informed about what TeenHelp is doing by sharing information about updates to our site and services, work with our partners and affiliates, details of upcoming events, short bits of advice, interesting links and more!
==========
Chat Moderator colour (April 4th 2010)
We recently removed the Chat Moderator blue colour. Chat Moderators have always been identified with a colour because they used to be a primary Staff role, but this has not been the case for well over a year now, so there was no real necessity to continue using the colour. This allows all Staff members to be most closely associated with their main role on TeenHelp, a helping role for most of them. We think this makes more sense and should avoid confusion in the future.
==========
Avatar expansion (March 8th 2010)
TeenHelp's magazine, Avatar, has undergone another routine revision of its Editorial positions. This has seen the creation of three new positions (to a total of twelve), including a new Deputy Content Editor, and an additional Editor for each of the Mind and Body and Lifestyle sections, all of whom should allow Avatar to publish even more content of an even higher quality each month.
==========
Ban lapsing policy (February 20th 2010)
Our new ban lapsing policy allows some permanently banned users to return to TeenHelp after six months. Which users are able to return will depend on why they were originally banned, and whether or not they are now willing to follow our Terms of Service. Our users are mostly young people who are changing and maturing, and we are willing to give them a second chance and forgive those who have made mistakes on TeenHelp in the past. This policy is detailed in full at the bottom of our Code of Conduct.
http://www.teenhelp.org/terms/conduct/
==========
Vote changing on polls (February 15th 2010)
When you take part in discussions that have a poll, you will now be able to change your vote later in the discussion, and also to add your own voting options to the poll if you wish to (and if the author allows it). This feature provides an additional tool to help our users to discuss and debate issues more effectively.
==========
Parents page (February 14th 2010)
Our new Parents page is the area of TeenHelp dedicated to the parents of teenagers and young people. It currently shows parents how to respond to discovering their child uses TeenHelp, and deals with a number of safety concerns parents typically have about TeenHelp and what we do to make our site safe. We intend to continue building upon this section in the near future by expanding it into a comprehensive resource for parents of teenagers that includes articles, links and more.
http://www.teenhelp.org/parents/
==========
Removing the Non-PG13 Discussion forum (February 13th 2010)
Until recently a portion of TeenHelp was restricted by age requirements, something we have now stopped. We are committed to the open and honest education of young people, and do not believe it is our place to decide who may benefit from which pieces of knowledge and advice. Removing this forum will allow those who need the advice the most to benefit from it, regardless of how old they are. After removing the small amount of clearly unsuitable material, we marked the remainder as possibly inappropriate and lifted the restrictions placed upon it. This will allow younger users to receive advice on a wider range of topics, which we believe can only be a good thing.
==========
TeenHelp works with a range of different organisations and websites in order to help and educate young people. Below are some of our most recent affiliations. For a full list of the organisations we work with, please visit our Resources page.
http://www.teenhelp.org/resources/
==========
DrugWatch
DrugWatch aims to keep the public informed about the thousands of drugs and medications available worldwide. They publish extensive information about each medication, including a description, uses, dosage, potential side effects, dangerous interactions with other medications, whether or not it was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or another body, and other available information. DrugWatch use only the most reputable sources and keep their information as up-to-date and accurate as possible. All of this information is helpful if you are considering a particular medication.
http://www.drugwatch.com
==========
Voice Collective is a support service run by Mind that aims to help young people who are dealing with hallucinations. Their website provides a lot of useful information about different types of hallucination, as well as ways to cope or recover, and how to get help, including how to join one of their London-based face-to-face support groups. Their peer support groups are designed to be safe places where young people aged 12-18 can meet others like them to provide one another with mutual friendship and support. In addition to this, Voice Collective also provide training to those wishing to help young people with hallucinations, and work to advocate on behalf of young people to send out a more positive message about hallucinations.
http://www.voicecollective.co.uk
http://www.mind.org.uk
==========
Each month we share small bits of practical advice that you can implement to improve your life or that of others. This month we provide tips for preventing bullying and dealing with stress.
==========
Bullying prevention
Bullying has become a serious issue in today's society. If you know someone who is being bullied, or you yourself are a victim, make sure you inform a trusted adult (such as a parent, teacher or employer) as soon as possible. These people can take important actions to resolve a bullying situation for you or others. Many schools and other institutions have a 'No Bullying Policy' to help keep the working environment positive and safe for everybody. Be sure to check that your school or workplace has such a policy, and if it doesn't why not consider starting one yourself, it could save many lives.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f20-p...sure-bullying/
==========
Dealing with stress
When we are stressed it can feel like life is too much handle. While stress cannot be avoided entirely, there are a number of things you can do to combat its effects. Don't avoid doing important work by procrastinating, because this will just make you more stressed than before. Try taking a simple walk during the day, this can help to reduce stress levels and help you sleep better at night. Make sure you eat breakfast every day, it's 'the most important meal of the day' and will help to balance your blood sugar levels and give you the nutrition needed to handle physical and mental stress.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f16-general-health/
==========
A lot of content is posted to TeenHelp every single day, from threads to articles, social groups to albums. But it is difficult for even the most veteran user to keep on top of it all, so we have selected a few items from among the masses that we thought were interesting to draw your attention to.
==========
April is National Child Abuse Prevention/Awareness Month and National Sexual Assault Awareness Month (United States).
Article: http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f79-r.../t14085-abuse/
This article explains different types of abuse, how it affects victims, and what you can do to help yourself or someone else that may be being abused.
Social group: http://www.teenhelp.org/socialgroups/g46-victims/
The Victims social group is a support group for anyone who has gone through a time of being abused or anyone who wants to support others who have.
==========
April is also Sexually Transmitted Diseases Awareness Month (United States).
Article: http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f73-s...fections-stis/
This article informs you about many of the sexually transmitted diseases out there and how they are tested for.
==========
Upcoming events
Discussion: Making therapy work for you (Saturday April 17th 2010)
For a large number of issues therapy can be an important milestone on the way to recovery. This discussion will delve into how you can make therapy work for you, how to chose your counsellor and how to start seeking help in the first place.
Discussion: Self harm (Saturday April 24th 2010)
Self harm is a significant problem for many young people today. This discussion will explore alternatives, solutions and ways to seek advice in the face of this widespread and often misunderstood issue.
For more information about upcoming Facilitated Chat Room Discussions (FCRDs), and the times that these discussions will take place, please visit our FCRD page.
http://www.teenhelp.org/chat/discussions/
==========
Avatar is now out
Avatar is TeenHelp's very own monthly magazine. Each month we publish a series of high quality articles and other content produced by TeenHelp users. Highlights of the April issue include: Articles about autism, taking care of yourself, choosing a haircut, and the Oscars, advice from the Editors on a number of problems, our support for two causes, and many other great pieces.
April 2010: http://www.teenhelp.org/avatar_files/2010/April2010.pdf
Avatar page: http://www.teenhelp.org/avatar/
==========
Donate to TeenHelp
In order to continue providing free services to young people around the world, TeenHelp requires a constant income of voluntary donations to support our regular costs. If you are able to, we ask that you please donate any money you can to us, even if it's only a few dollars.
http://www.teenhelp.org/donate/
==========
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Our Facebook and Twitter pages are a great place to get a lot of high-quality information. We aim to connect you to interesting organisations, volunteering opportunities, events, news stories, pictures, videos, and more!
Facebook: http://www.teenhelp.org/facebook
Twitter: http://www.teenhelp.org/twitter
==========
Editorial team
Editor-in-Chief: Rob
Deputy Editor: Rianna (Rianna12)
Assistant Editor: Briana
Assistant Editor: Immy (Noobcake)
TeenHelp Newsletter
TeenHelp Newsletter #1 - April 15th 2010 - http://www.teenhelp.org
Welcome to the TeenHelp Newsletter! Our Newsletter contains a lot of useful information about our current work, including updates to our site and services, work with our partners and affiliates, details of upcoming events, short bits of advice, interesting links and more!
==========
TeenHelp News
TeenHelp regularly makes changes to its site and services. Some of these are large and noticeable, and others are small and much less so, but each one contributes to the positive development of TeenHelp and how our users experience our community. Below are some of the most recent developments.
==========
Newsletter (April 15th 2010)
This is the first issue of TeenHelp's brand new monthly Newsletter, due to be published on the 15th of each month, in between Avatar releases. Our goal with this Newsletter is to keep you informed about what TeenHelp is doing by sharing information about updates to our site and services, work with our partners and affiliates, details of upcoming events, short bits of advice, interesting links and more!
==========
Chat Moderator colour (April 4th 2010)
We recently removed the Chat Moderator blue colour. Chat Moderators have always been identified with a colour because they used to be a primary Staff role, but this has not been the case for well over a year now, so there was no real necessity to continue using the colour. This allows all Staff members to be most closely associated with their main role on TeenHelp, a helping role for most of them. We think this makes more sense and should avoid confusion in the future.
==========
Avatar expansion (March 8th 2010)
TeenHelp's magazine, Avatar, has undergone another routine revision of its Editorial positions. This has seen the creation of three new positions (to a total of twelve), including a new Deputy Content Editor, and an additional Editor for each of the Mind and Body and Lifestyle sections, all of whom should allow Avatar to publish even more content of an even higher quality each month.
==========
Ban lapsing policy (February 20th 2010)
Our new ban lapsing policy allows some permanently banned users to return to TeenHelp after six months. Which users are able to return will depend on why they were originally banned, and whether or not they are now willing to follow our Terms of Service. Our users are mostly young people who are changing and maturing, and we are willing to give them a second chance and forgive those who have made mistakes on TeenHelp in the past. This policy is detailed in full at the bottom of our Code of Conduct.
http://www.teenhelp.org/terms/conduct/
==========
Vote changing on polls (February 15th 2010)
When you take part in discussions that have a poll, you will now be able to change your vote later in the discussion, and also to add your own voting options to the poll if you wish to (and if the author allows it). This feature provides an additional tool to help our users to discuss and debate issues more effectively.
==========
Parents page (February 14th 2010)
Our new Parents page is the area of TeenHelp dedicated to the parents of teenagers and young people. It currently shows parents how to respond to discovering their child uses TeenHelp, and deals with a number of safety concerns parents typically have about TeenHelp and what we do to make our site safe. We intend to continue building upon this section in the near future by expanding it into a comprehensive resource for parents of teenagers that includes articles, links and more.
http://www.teenhelp.org/parents/
==========
Removing the Non-PG13 Discussion forum (February 13th 2010)
Until recently a portion of TeenHelp was restricted by age requirements, something we have now stopped. We are committed to the open and honest education of young people, and do not believe it is our place to decide who may benefit from which pieces of knowledge and advice. Removing this forum will allow those who need the advice the most to benefit from it, regardless of how old they are. After removing the small amount of clearly unsuitable material, we marked the remainder as possibly inappropriate and lifted the restrictions placed upon it. This will allow younger users to receive advice on a wider range of topics, which we believe can only be a good thing.
==========
Affiliates
TeenHelp works with a range of different organisations and websites in order to help and educate young people. Below are some of our most recent affiliations. For a full list of the organisations we work with, please visit our Resources page.
http://www.teenhelp.org/resources/
==========
DrugWatch
DrugWatch aims to keep the public informed about the thousands of drugs and medications available worldwide. They publish extensive information about each medication, including a description, uses, dosage, potential side effects, dangerous interactions with other medications, whether or not it was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or another body, and other available information. DrugWatch use only the most reputable sources and keep their information as up-to-date and accurate as possible. All of this information is helpful if you are considering a particular medication.
http://www.drugwatch.com
==========
Voice Collective
Voice Collective is a support service run by Mind that aims to help young people who are dealing with hallucinations. Their website provides a lot of useful information about different types of hallucination, as well as ways to cope or recover, and how to get help, including how to join one of their London-based face-to-face support groups. Their peer support groups are designed to be safe places where young people aged 12-18 can meet others like them to provide one another with mutual friendship and support. In addition to this, Voice Collective also provide training to those wishing to help young people with hallucinations, and work to advocate on behalf of young people to send out a more positive message about hallucinations.
http://www.voicecollective.co.uk
http://www.mind.org.uk
==========
Tips Of The Month
Each month we share small bits of practical advice that you can implement to improve your life or that of others. This month we provide tips for preventing bullying and dealing with stress.
==========
Bullying prevention
Bullying has become a serious issue in today's society. If you know someone who is being bullied, or you yourself are a victim, make sure you inform a trusted adult (such as a parent, teacher or employer) as soon as possible. These people can take important actions to resolve a bullying situation for you or others. Many schools and other institutions have a 'No Bullying Policy' to help keep the working environment positive and safe for everybody. Be sure to check that your school or workplace has such a policy, and if it doesn't why not consider starting one yourself, it could save many lives.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f20-p...sure-bullying/
==========
Dealing with stress
When we are stressed it can feel like life is too much handle. While stress cannot be avoided entirely, there are a number of things you can do to combat its effects. Don't avoid doing important work by procrastinating, because this will just make you more stressed than before. Try taking a simple walk during the day, this can help to reduce stress levels and help you sleep better at night. Make sure you eat breakfast every day, it's 'the most important meal of the day' and will help to balance your blood sugar levels and give you the nutrition needed to handle physical and mental stress.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f16-general-health/
==========
Interesting Things (on TeenHelp)
A lot of content is posted to TeenHelp every single day, from threads to articles, social groups to albums. But it is difficult for even the most veteran user to keep on top of it all, so we have selected a few items from among the masses that we thought were interesting to draw your attention to.
==========
April is National Child Abuse Prevention/Awareness Month and National Sexual Assault Awareness Month (United States).
Article: http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f79-r.../t14085-abuse/
This article explains different types of abuse, how it affects victims, and what you can do to help yourself or someone else that may be being abused.
Social group: http://www.teenhelp.org/socialgroups/g46-victims/
The Victims social group is a support group for anyone who has gone through a time of being abused or anyone who wants to support others who have.
==========
April is also Sexually Transmitted Diseases Awareness Month (United States).
Article: http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f73-s...fections-stis/
This article informs you about many of the sexually transmitted diseases out there and how they are tested for.
==========
Upcoming events
Discussion: Making therapy work for you (Saturday April 17th 2010)
For a large number of issues therapy can be an important milestone on the way to recovery. This discussion will delve into how you can make therapy work for you, how to chose your counsellor and how to start seeking help in the first place.
Discussion: Self harm (Saturday April 24th 2010)
Self harm is a significant problem for many young people today. This discussion will explore alternatives, solutions and ways to seek advice in the face of this widespread and often misunderstood issue.
For more information about upcoming Facilitated Chat Room Discussions (FCRDs), and the times that these discussions will take place, please visit our FCRD page.
http://www.teenhelp.org/chat/discussions/
==========
Avatar is now out
Avatar is TeenHelp's very own monthly magazine. Each month we publish a series of high quality articles and other content produced by TeenHelp users. Highlights of the April issue include: Articles about autism, taking care of yourself, choosing a haircut, and the Oscars, advice from the Editors on a number of problems, our support for two causes, and many other great pieces.
April 2010: http://www.teenhelp.org/avatar_files/2010/April2010.pdf
Avatar page: http://www.teenhelp.org/avatar/
==========
Donate to TeenHelp
In order to continue providing free services to young people around the world, TeenHelp requires a constant income of voluntary donations to support our regular costs. If you are able to, we ask that you please donate any money you can to us, even if it's only a few dollars.
http://www.teenhelp.org/donate/
==========
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Our Facebook and Twitter pages are a great place to get a lot of high-quality information. We aim to connect you to interesting organisations, volunteering opportunities, events, news stories, pictures, videos, and more!
Facebook: http://www.teenhelp.org/facebook
Twitter: http://www.teenhelp.org/twitter
==========
Editorial team
Editor-in-Chief: Rob
Deputy Editor: Rianna (Rianna12)
Assistant Editor: Briana
Assistant Editor: Immy (Noobcake)
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