Navigating adolescence is tough. It’s easy to feel like no one understands what you’re going through, especially when the stories that we see in movies, TV, and more don’t reflect your experiences. “It just kind of makes me feel like ‘Why don’t I see anybody like me?’” said one high school student. “[It] kind of like brings your self-esteem down.”  Historically, many movies and TV shows in the United States have lacked diverse representation. For […]

It’s hard to believe it, but the holiday season is already upon us. This time of year is full of joy, giving, and opportunities to connect with those we love. And after the year that children and parents alike have endured, we could all use a little bit of cheer.  At Youth Speak Out, we’ve seen first-hand how children are craving face-to-face connection with their family and friends. In our afterschool sessions, when we ask […]

At Youth Speak Out, we understand the importance of engaging students with digital tools and speaking with them about the impact that technology has on their lives. Through our after school programming, we provide children with a space to share their own experiences with the digital world, both positive and negative. Then we take those experiences and transform them into a collaborative project. This Fall, we returned to the classroom for the first time since […]

Access to technology and the digital world is critically important to many areas of our lives. We use technology to make doctor’s appointments, find jobs, complete our homework, and so much more. And yet, a “digital divide” persists.  The definition of the term “digital divide” has evolved since it was first introduced over 30 years ago. But generally, the digital divide refers to the gap between people who have access to the internet and other […]

July is coming to a close, and the start of the school year is right around the corner. With only a few weeks left until students are back in the classroom, children might be showing increased signs of anxiety. As a parent, you might be wondering: what do I say? How do I comfort them?  The most important thing that parents can do for their children is listen. A child might be nervous about going […]