Introduction to Youth Online Peer Support: A Guide for Teens

Release Date: 4/5/2026

DOI: 10.32473/EDIS-fy1511-2022

4-H Youth Development

Abstract

This publication provides information about adolescent mental health and suicidality, ways that adolescents can provide empathetic support to a friend they met online, ways that adults can help, and the importance of self-care. Written by Angela Nielsen and Larry F. Forthun, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, August 2022.

About this Publication

This document is FCS3372, one of a series of the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date August 2022. Revised December 2025. Visit the Ask IFAS website at https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/ for the currently supported version of this publication.

How to Cite

Nielsen, A., & Forthun, L. (2022). Introduction to Youth Online Peer Support: A Guide for Teens. EDIS, 2022(4). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-fy1511-2022

Authors

Angela Nielsen

Ph.D. student, Department of Human Development, WSU College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences, Pullman, WA

Larry Forthun

Contact

Specialist

University of Florida

professor, youth development, and department chair, Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences

View Larry Forthun's Profile

Publication #FCS3372

Disclaimers

The use of trade names in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information. UF/IFAS does not guarantee or warranty the products named, and references to them in this publication do not signify our approval to the exclusion of other products of suitable composition.