South African teenagers face difficult problems everyday often as a result of a lack of parental guidance and recreational facilities. Boredom can lead to teenage pregnancies, prostitution, drug abuse and drug dealing.
These problems are becoming an increasingly worrying threat to our society and are causing major concern for community leaders, teachers and parents as they not only affect the person involved but their loved ones as well.
“In today’s society, teenagers are faced with more peer pressure and stress than ever before, says Fedhealth CEO Katy Caldis. The Fedhealth Teen Line is accessible through our bouquet of Fedhealth Nurse services for members which already includes advice on assessing day-to-day symptoms; emergency medical advice; health knowledge; drugs; poisoning, health counselling and stress management.
The Teen Line will offer advice and counselling to troubled teenager members on any physical, emotional and sexual questions and/or problems they may be experiencing. The teen is spoken to in their home language and advice is given with respect and confidentially,” she says.
The Teen Line is run by a team of professional experts and nurses who are trained to address such issues in a sensitive manner.
“Talking is part of healing. Teens can often cope with heartbreak very well and are a lot stronger than they or we may think. They often just need to be given some coping tools and techniques to get them through a problem situation” says Caldis.
“The important message is that teenagers should not feel alone” concludes Caldis.
The Teen Line service is reserved for Fedhealth members only and details can be found on the Fedhealth website on http://www.fedhealth.co.za/