School will soon be back in session for youth across the city. Unfortunately, there are some topics they won’t be learning about in the classroom. Topics such as bullying, mental health, sex and STD prevention aren’t always discussed openly in schools. That’s why the San Antonio AIDS Foundation (SAAF, “sāf”) created Teen Talk, a website dedicated to providing youth throughout the state with relevant and accurate information about a variety of topics related to their lives.
Teen Talk, located at www.TeenTalkSA.org, is a gateway to information and resources about topics ranging from school stress to safe sex. The website’s goal is to educate and empower local youth.
“As teenagers, they’re at an age where they’re starting to experience certain issues,” said Vanessa Zuniga, director of prevention education at SAAF. “The Teen Talk website was developed to help them navigate those situations, and to make choices that will keep them healthy and happy throughout their lives.”
The website features information and advice curated from reliable outlets, as well as a directory of local and national resources. Current topics include STDs, safe sex, stress, self-esteem, depression, relationship violence, and LGBTQIA issues. However, the website will continue to be updated with the latest information and topics concerning youth in South Texas.
“Our goal is to provide information that is reliable, relateable and up-to-date,” said Zuniga. “Teenagers are bombarded with so much information at such a fast pace. We want to cut through all that and provide them with the facts.”
In addition to the Teen Talk website, SAAF maintains accounts for Teen Talk on Twitter and Instagram (@TeenTalkSA), and on Facebook. Though Teen Talk has officially launched on-line, a real-life launch party is being planned for early October (details to come).
For more information about Teen Talk and other SAAF initiatives, contact the prevention marketing department at 210-225-4715, ext. 141, or marketing@SanAntonioAIDS.org.
Data Spotlight
Learn more about HIV/AIDS and STD rates in Texas and Bexar County with the CDC's NCHHSTP Atlas, an interactive mapping tool.
Learn more about teen pregnancy in Bexar County from San Antonio Metro Health.