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Adolescent health, from contraceptive access to anti-bullying efforts to sex education, means showing youth and teens that we respect them enough to give them the information they need, and that we trust them enough to make decisions with that information. Teens receive a lot of messages, many of them conflicting, but are rarely permitted a voice of their own; however, adolescent health is more than just talking the talk, it's about using our actions and resources to demonstrate just how much we value their lives and their futures.
After all, aren't health and safety about investing in the future? If, as is so often proclaimed, adolescents and teens are our future, then giving them the best health and support services possible ensures a better world for us all. As someone who has been a teen girl, I know how important it is for teens to feel secure in their bodies, in their decisions, and in their communities. Growing up, I was lucky enough to have an extremely health literate support system, and it gave me the the freedom to become a more confident, ambitious, and outgoing person. Today, I work with G-CAPP because I believe that every teen deserves a support system that keeps them informed, healthy, and safe.
If we are committed to empowering adolescents to make good decisions and encouraging them to keep an eye on the future, then we must ensure access to comprehensive health and support services. By promoting adolescent health, we give teens a voice, as well as an environment where that voice can be heard.
