Byline: KATHLEEN DOOLEY Staff writer
Clifton Park CAPTAIN's teens are branching out to help others around the world through a new Teen Talk Web site and chat line.
The online service started April 1. Two teens sit at computers in the CAPTAIN office at Clifton Common, helping other teens with all sorts of problems from homework, and family matters to more serious drug and alcoholism issues after school hours.
Teen Talk phone line was started in 1989 by CAPTAIN to give students an opportunity to discuss problems with their peers in a confidential phone conversation.
The helpline has grown in popularity over the years and continues to operate. With many teens online after-school, there was a need to find another vehicle to communicate with them, said Eileen Reardon, development director for CAPTAIN, the Community Action Program for Teens and Interested Neighbors.
That's why Teen Talk was expanded to the Web. A training session was held recently for the teen volunteers on the new Web site, which is staffed from 3 to 8 p.m.
``The Web site gives us a better way to communicate with others and help them as much as possible,'' said Abbey Bini, 17, senior at Shenendehowa and a Teen Talk volunteer.
With a $2,500 grant from MVP Health Care for the Web site and assistance from Virtual Flow Interactive Media of Saratoga Springs, a committee of teens began working several months ago to set up the Web site.
``Going online makes it a lot easier for kids to come forward and talk. It takes away their fears. If they don't like the way things go, they can sign off,'' said Alyssa Hartigan, 17.
Dana Kennedy, 18, a senior, said calls are mainly for homework help, high school dating problems and relationships with family and friends. She has also referred students to Planned Parenthood.
CAPTAIN extended the helpline online knowing the Web site would serve as a resource for information and referral to health and human services agencies and parenting information. It also offers a link to the MVP Health Care online health library, said Reardon.
Two CAPTAIN staff members assist teens working online. A database keeps track of the chat line conversations. Adults check to make sure topics are appropriate. Inappropriate subjects and foul language will not be tolerated. Those using it will have site privileges terminated, said Reardon, adding everything is confidential.
A maximum of two students can chat at a time. When teens are occupied, users wanting to chat wait in a queue room. When the room opens up, Teen Talkers e-mail the individual to come in.
The new Web site allows students to log on and view questions from other teens. Links are available for information on topics like sexually-transmitted diseases, pregnancy, drug and alcohol addiction.
CAPTAIN's 50 teen volunteers attended a training session at Silver Bay Conference Center on Lake George in the summer to learn how to respond to situations.
The Teen Talk telephone hotline continues to operate simultaneously. It recently received a new toll-free number, extending services to teens beyond the immediate calling area. The Teen Talk number is 1-877-627-TALK.
FACTS:ON THE WEB CAPTAIN's Teen Talk new online service can be found at http://www.teentalk online.com What: For teens to chat instantly with other teens willing to listen to whatever problems they may be having. Teen Talk Online is completely confidential. Cost: Free. All you need is a computer with World Wide Web access or telephone. The service is manned by volunteer teens 3 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday on school days. Info: For Teen Talk phoneline call 1-877-627-TALK
CAPTION(S):
Cindy Schultz/Times Union CAPTAIN VOLUNTEER Abbey Bini, 17, sits at a workstation with a computer screen showing the new Teen Talk Web site at Clifton Commons in Clifton Park. THE NEW WEB SITE is discussed by Captain volunteers, from left, Alyssa Hartigan, 17, John D'Annibale, 16, Kait Bloss, 17, and Amy DeMarco, 15.
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