One of TAG's "Five Essentials for Healthy Adolescents" is providing opportunities for teens to engage as learners, as leaders, as team members, and as workers.

In every field, there are innovative ways for professionals to engage with young people as they promote adolescent health, and authentically engaging youth turns out to be a strategy where everyone is a winner!

• WIN! Adolescents who are directly engaged build leadership and teamwork skills while developing positive relationships with adults — key protective factors that help them learn and grow.
• WIN! Adult professionals and programs that engage teens as learners, leaders, team members, and workers are able to improve their services and supports to be more adolescent-friendly and effective.

Following are a few examples of how professionals from different sectors can put youth engagement into action. More information about TAG's "Five Essentials" and action steps are available in the TAG Playbook (PDF, 31 pages) (also available in Spanish; PDF, 31 pages).

What Can Healthcare Professionals Do to Engage Teens?

• Invite teens to help make your clinic or practice teen-friendly. Connect with a local youth council in your area or reach out to some of your own adolescent patients. Ask them to help stage a "make over" to make your office and services more welcoming to teenagers and ask them what policies and procedures their doctors should have in place.
• Ensure teens are fully engaged in their self-care. Train your entire staff on how to foster open communication and trust with the teens you are serving, so that young people will feel comfortable talking about their health and wellness. Be sure all staff are up-to-date on policies for protecting teens’ privacy and confidentiality.

Check out an example of "TAG in Action": The PATCH program in Wisconsin has teen leaders train doctors and other healthcare professionals on how to interact with their teen patients.

Find more TAG resources for Healthcare professionals.