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Right by You: A Guide for Parents & Caregivers

The Issue

Today’s young people live in a complicated world and face many challenges. While the topic of mental health has become less taboo over the years, it remains a public health crisis rivalling other issues such as cancer and diabetes.

This issue is real and directly affects teens. Many teens are reluctant to go to their parents if facing mental health issues despite their parents and caregivers being a critical source of support.

  • In a poll with young people contacting Kids Help Phone, half said they would turn to a friend if facing mental health problems, with mom a distant second at 30%. 20% would not share their pain with anyone.
  • Although many parents acknowledge the importance of mental health, few are taking the most fundamental step: talking about mental health at home.

The Right By You campaign was created to improve mental health and prevent suicide among youth, by mobilizing and engaging Canadians to help drive fundamental changes that result in:

  • Increased awareness and attention toward teen mental health
  • Greater understanding, acceptance and support for young people living with a mental health problem or illness
  • Increased access to teen mental health services, treatment and support

Through Right By You, we aim to provide parents and caregivers with practical tools and guidance to help have more impactful conversations with their teen and support their teen’s mental well-being.


Download the full Right By You: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers PDF

Right by You: A Guide for Parents & Caregivers Resources