A call or text could save the life of a Valley teenager
Posted
Morgan Hines, LMSW, MPA
Submitted photo/Teen Lifeline
If a Child or Teen Needs Help
If you believe a child or teenager is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to an emergency room.
For non-emergencies, kids and teens can call or text 602-248-TEEN (8336). Phone support is available 24/7. Texting is available from noon to 9 p.m. weekdays and 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. weekends.
OPINION — If you’re an average American with a smartphone, you’ll check it 144 times today while spending about four hours scrolling, gaming, shopping … or possibly even communicating, according to a recent Reviews.org survey.
But did you know that placing a quick proactive call or text to a teenager could be a way to help save a life?
In recognition of National Telephone Day on April 25, Teen Lifeline staff and volunteer peer counselors are asking adults across Arizona to take a moment of your daily phone time for one simple step: Call or text a teenager in your life to check in and let them know you care.
It’s a small action that can make a meaningful difference.
Why does this matter right now?
Spring can be a challenging time for many young people. Academic pressure, social stress and major life transitions often build as the school year comes to a close. Teen Lifeline typically sees about a 10% increase in calls and texts at this time each year.
In 2025, one in three calls or texts to Teen Lifeline came from a young person who was experiencing thoughts of suicide.
At the same time, the way teens seek support is evolving. Many turn to their phones first when they’re struggling, whether that means reaching out to a friend, searching for answers or looking for someone who will just listen to them.
Sometimes, all a teenager needs is to feel connected in order to prevent feelings of loneliness, abandonment or even suicide.
How can you be part of that connection?
Reaching out doesn’t have to be complicated. A quick message or call can open the door to a conversation and remind a teen they are not alone.
Consider sending a simple text such as:
Thinking about you today. How are you doing?
How’s your week going?
Are finals coming up? Do you need any support?
These small moments of connection can help build trust and make it easier for a teen to reach out when they need help.
While phones can be a source of distraction for young people and setting boundaries is important, their phones can also provide a critical link to support, especially during times of distress.
Showing that you care enough to reach out on National Telephone Day could make a big difference for a teen in your life.
What should you do if a teen needs help?
If you are concerned a teen may be having thoughts of suicide, ask about it directly. Research shows that asking about suicide does not put the idea into a young person’s head. Instead, it can give them permission to speak openly.
If a teen is in immediate danger, call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency room.
If they are not in immediate danger, help is available. Support from Teen Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by call or text to (602) 248-TEEN (8336).
Morgan Hines, LMSW, MPA is the clinical programs coordinator at Teen Lifeline, a Phoenix-based nonprofit dedicated to preventing teen suicide in Arizona. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
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