“I know that there are tons of people who really don’t want to hear stuff from a teenager, but I am seeing firsthand at school that there are kids who are not getting the help that they need because they are scared to speak up for themselves.”
www.sltrib.com/opinion/comm...

“I’m focused on finding simple and effective ways to spread evidence-based information about mental health,” Amelia says. “The attention span of a person is getting way smaller than it ever has been, so I’m kind of using that to my advantage.”

www.sltrib.com/opinion/comm...

Between the ages of 3 and 17, Natalie Clark spent six years in and out of Utah’s foster care system.

Now she’s the foster care liaison for Salt Lake County's Youth Action Board, a program that helps Utah youth who are experiencing homelessness.

www.sltrib.com/opinion/comm...

Maddie joined Hope Squad, a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program, in the sixth grade.

Now in high school, Maddie says the skills she's learned in Hope Squad have helped her check in on her own mental health — and save a friend's life.
www.sltrib.com/opinion/comm...

Teen girls are experiencing record high levels of sadness, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report.

Sarah Brown of Bridle Up Hope says equine-assisted learning could be a solution for some of her peers.
www.sltrib.com/opinion/comm...

Students battle the stress of classwork, the impacts of a pandemic and a pressure to be perfect every day, says junior Makaylee Moore.

Her own experience with body image and anxiety led her to CAPS, a unique BYU program.
www.sltrib.com/opinion/comm...

Up first is Shem, Encircle Provo’s assistant home director.

In high school, he sought connection through Encircle. Now, at 24 years old, he says he’s “really lucky” to be able to help other young Utahns find community and self-expression.

www.sltrib.com/opinion/comm...

I’m excited to share these candid interviews about the challenges, successes and impacts of peer-to-peer mental heath support programs in our state.

I’ll share a new interview every Tuesday and Thursday through May, Mental Health Awareness Month.

www.sltrib.com/opinion/comm...

“One new friend taught me how to drive. Another handed down a used laptop and helped me to make a resume. Others have given me eggs or vegetables from their gardens.”

https://www.sltrib.com/opinion/commentary/2023/08/17/abbas-ehsani-utah-is-haven-afghan/

“If ethically and mindfully applied, AI could provide parents with insights and resources to raise happy, healthy children without surrendering our human mastery to technology,” writes Pedram Jahangiry.

https://www.sltrib.com/opinion/commentary/2023/08/14/pedram-jahangiry-how-ai-will-shape/

“Amid discussions of the singularity, AI automating us all out of our jobs and the potential extinction of the human race, I’d encourage us to focus first on the harms AI is already causing.”

https://www.sltrib.com/opinion/commentary/2023/08/14/elizabeth-callaway-before-we-worry/

“The key to creating equitable AI tools lies in pivoting away from AI autonomy and focusing instead on human-centered assistance,” writes Sharad Jones.

https://www.sltrib.com/opinion/commentary/2023/08/14/sharad-jones-ai-should-reflect-our/