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Identity development is a central task of adolescent development.

Who am I?

How do I fit in?

What is my role?

What do I believe in?

These are all key questions adolescents are asking themselves. Important dimensions of identity formation include race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation. Talking to an adult they trust can help youth form a positive sense of personal identity.

Jefferson County Youth of Color Experience Mistreatment

According to the 2023 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey, Jefferson County youth of color are more likely to report being treated badly or unfairly in school because of their race or ethnicity. 

Are you the parent/guardian of a young person of color? Is your teen feeling down, stressed, or overwhelmed? They can access help through The Steve Fund, an organization dedicated to supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color. They can text “STEVE” to 741741 and a live, trained Crisis Counselor will respond.

Video: Systemic Racism Explained

Systemic racism affects every area of life in the US. From incarceration rates to predatory loans, and trying to solve these problems requires changes in major parts of our system. Here's a closer look at what systemic racism is, and how we can solve it.

Video is four minutes and twenty three seconds long (4:23).

Open Ended Questions about Identity

How to Start a Conversation About Identity

Tell your teen stories about your family, your experiences, your history, challenges you faced, a time you stood up for yourself, etc. Ask to hear their stories.

First, find an opening. An idea is: 

Bring up current events with your teen. Use what is happening in the world to begin a conversation about how they see themselves within the world.

Ask a direct question that can't be answered with a simple "yes" or "no."

For example:

• I am curious, what do you think people mean by identity?
• What do you think has the biggest impact on how you see yourself? What about how other people perceive you?
• How do you or your friends react to others in a way that is based on stereotypes?
• How do others react to you or your friends in a way that you think is based on stereotypes?
• What do you wish I understood better about you? What do you wish I knew about you?
• If there was one thing I could be more supportive about in your life, what would that be?
• What does diversity mean to you/your friends?

The best way to show your teen you care?

Be there.

Have a talk with your teen.

Learn more at https://jeffcoctc.care/twelve-talks/identity/