• MaineTeenTalk.org is a comprehensive website providing straight talk for relationships that work. It was developed to increase teen knowledge and build skills that will create positive behavior change leading to respectful, healthy relationships. The site features information, games, and role playing with the goals of: recognizing an unhealthy relationship, learning research-based skills essential for good communication, and identifying how to set goals for a healthy future.
• We talked directly to a large number of Maine’s teens to find out what they want. They said loud and clear that they want skills to improve their relationships using information from a trusted source. Seventy-two percent (72.4%) of Maine teens reported that teens in their communities have their first boyfriend-girlfriend relationship at age 13 or younger. Fifty-one percent (50.7%) of Maine teens reported that they have been in a serious dating relationship.
• MaineTeenTalk.org gives teens the tools they need to build the healthy relationships that will benefit them now, and in the future. The teenage years are a particularly important time for imparting relationship education as a preventative measure to poverty, domestic violence, mental health problems, suicide, poor performance in school and work, and other relationship problems that affect all areas of their lives.
• Relationship skills are a universal need. Everyone can benefit from them, at every stage of their life. What adult couldn’t use relationship skills? Imagine what it could do for our teens, who are soon to be adults.
• A Teen Advisory Board contributes to the quality of the content. Teenagers in Maine volunteer their time to review materials and provide insight into what teens want. Teens interested in serving on the advisory board should contact our office at: info@maineteentalk.org.
• MaineTeenTalk.org is a federally-funded project that brings research-based relationship education to Maine teenagers. The goal is to increase teen knowledge and build skills that will create positive behavior change leading to respectful relationships.
• In addition to the website, the new Healthy Relationships resources are now available. These free, research-based relationship resources, including a student workbook and teacher’s guide, have been developed for those who want to bring helpful relationship education to teens.

Funding for this project was provided by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.