TEEN TALK is a call-in radio show providing teens the opportunity to discuss problems and concerns with other teens and a mental health professional. Callers can speak on the air or talk to an off-air counselor.

Sundays, 9-10:30 p.m. on Hot 107.9
Syracuse, New York

Central New York teens have been turning to TEEN TALK for more than 15 years.

TEEN TALK’s goal is to help teens make healthy choices about issues that affect their mental, physical and emotional well being. Many calls deal with relationships, use of alcohol and drugs, sexuality, school, and family life. Teen Talk also receives calls from youth struggling with critical issues such as date rape, physical abuse, substance abuse, and depression and suicide.

For many callers a conversation with TEEN TALK is a first step in getting help. Listeners can relate information and questions to their own lives. Some listeners also call in with comments and encouragement for a caller or to say, "I thought I was the only one who felt that way."

Regular Features

In addition to calls from listeners, other regular features include:

• Pre-recorded Teen Tips on communication, dating, and advice on how to resist harmful behavior
• Live guest spots
• Focus Nights which explore a single issue such as school violence, eating disorders, spirituality, sexuality, and substance abuse
• Teen reviews that critique the values and relationships modeled in movies, videos, web sites or television shows popular with youth

The on-air hosts or off-air counselors help callers explore their situations and identify options:

• What have you tried?
• Who can you talk to—your parents or another adult? Your teacher?
• Would you like us to give you phone numbers and information about other resources?
• You can call CONTACT’s telephone counseling line (315-251-0600) anytime you need to talk.

Teen hosts draw upon their own experiences and provide a peer perspective.

Becoming a teen host

Teen hosts come from high schools around Onondaga County. Applications from sophomores and juniors are accepted in the spring for positions beginning in September. Interviews and auditions are held during the summer. Teens working on their GEDs are also eligible to apply. Visit www.TeenTalkRadio.org for more information.

Airtime and facilities for Teen Talk are donated by Hot 107.9, a Clear Channel Communications station.