Supporting Teen and Tween Girls

The Why: Why include a focus on connectedness for teen and tween girls?

The rates of self-harm, suicide risk, and levels of sadness are at an all-time high among girls. It is at a level of crisis, and schools must address this crisis. Youth who feel connected at school are less likely to experience risks related to substance use, mental health, violence, and sexual behavior. School connectedness and parent intervention protects against these risks.
Recent Research
A new CDC report raises the urgency to invest in schools as a vital lifeline to help struggling youth. The report shows that teen girls are experiencing record high levels of violence, sadness, and suicide risk. Likewise, LGBQ+ teens continue to face extremely high levels of violence and mental health challenges

The How: Support for School Staff, Coaching for Youth, Coaching for Parents/Guardians

  • Patti and her co-trainers help schools and families expand their knowledge and practices for working with girls.
Verge Services can work with your school in stand-alone workshops or ongoing trainings or consultations, focused on increasing belonging and risk mitigation for girls. Sample sessions include the following:
  • School culture: Work with the faculty/staff to improve the experience of belonging and connectedness for girls; practice strategies; and identify risks.
  • Parent education: Evening in-person or virtual sessions for parents, to share strategies to support healthy friendships, building confidence, and skills to respond to conflict.
It's not "drama". Relationships are real.

The Who: An Expert in Adolescent Girl Relationships, Belonging, and Culture

Patti Hearn is an educator, coach, and consultant with 25 years experience working with middle and high school girls. And those girls thrived.

Patti led a school culture of confidence, compassion, inclusivity, and kindness in her years in a girls school. She can help empower the girls in your school with the same set of principles and practices.