Updated April 20, 2026 · PrintableTips for Communicating With Your TeenChild Mind Institute
Simple ways to open conversations, listen without immediately trying to fix things, and keep communication going.
Understanding how Sonar supports your child
Sonar gives young people 24/7 access to trained Wellbeing Coaches. Families get clear information about how the service works, help for difficult moments, and resources chosen by our team.
Learn more about the productSee how Sonar works
Promo VideoAbout us
What parents should know about Sonar
Three things families ask about first: who is on the other side of the conversation, what stays private, and what happens when we are worried about safety.
Every message to your child comes from a personYoung people don’t chat with AI. Every response is written by a trained Wellbeing Coach. Technology works behind the scenes to help Coaches keep context, recognize possible concerns, and follow consistent processes.
Your child’s everyday conversations are privateYoung people need room to speak honestly. Parents don’t receive routine transcripts of what their child discusses with a Wellbeing Coach.
Adults are involved when safety requires itIf Sonar identifies a serious risk of harm, it follows a structured safety process. Depending on the situation, that may include contacting a parent or guardian, another designated adult, or the partner support team.
Read the parent and guardian FAQsGo to FAQ
A trusted place to talk, anytime
Young people can message a trained Wellbeing Coach whenever something is on their mind. They might reach out about school pressure, friendships, a breakup, loneliness, or simply a difficult day.
- (01)They don’t need to schedule an appointment or know exactly what kind of help they need.
- (02)They can begin with what is happening, step away when they want to, and return later.
- (03)A Coach listens, helps them make sense of what they are feeling, and works with them to identify a practical next step.
- (04)When more support may be helpful, Sonar can connect them with the people and services available through their community.
Available 24/7. Always human. Support that grows over time.
What we do
Who is talking to my child?
Every Sonar conversation is led by a trained Wellbeing Coach selected for their ability to connect with young people and make sound decisions when situations become more complex.
Coaches come from backgrounds such as psychology, social work, and youth programs. They do not manage complex or high-risk situations alone: each Coach receives ongoing feedback, conversation review, and real-time guidance from Sonar’s Clinical Governance and Safety Team.
Sonar gives young people a private place to talk. It also gives parents and caregivers helpful ways to stay connected and find trustworthy information to support their kids.
Support for the parents, too
01A sounding board for the hard moments
Some moments are harder to navigate than others. Your child shuts down. An argument becomes something bigger. You can tell something is wrong, but don’t know how to broach it.
AI Parent Guide is a sounding board to help you think through what to say and do next. Share what’s happening, add a little context, and receive tips grounded in curated, expert-reviewed research.
Try AI Parent GuideAI Parent Guide is a separate AI-powered tool for adults. It does not provide access to your child’s private Sonar conversations and does not replace professional or emergency support.
About us
Family Resource Hub
The Family Resource Hub brings together articles, guides, and tools from trusted organizations. These free, expert-created resources can help you start conversations and connect more with your child.
Explore guidance on:
Need help right now?
If your child is in immediate danger, go to the nearest emergency room. For immediate crisis support, call or text 988.
Family Resource Hub
Talking with your teen
When your teen says “I’m fine,” it can be hard to know whether to keep asking or give them space. These resources offer ways to make conversations feel easier.
Free on iOS and Android · Research-informedThe Happy Child appHuman Improvement Project
Free, five-minute lessons designed to help caregivers strengthen relationships and support their child’s emotional development.
Family Resource Hub
Anxiety and school stress
Worry can show up in many ways, from test anxiety to avoiding school altogether. These resources can help you respond with support without unintentionally making anxiety stronger.
What to Do and Not Do When Children Are AnxiousChild Mind Institute
Guidance for helping an anxious child face difficult situations rather than avoiding them.
Updated April 24, 2026Anxiety Resource CenterChild Mind Institute
Information about how anxiety can look in teens, including school anxiety, school refusal, and signs that additional support may be helpful.
Family Resource Hub
Mood and motivation
Every child has difficult days. These resources can help you understand when a low mood may be something more.
What Are the Symptoms of Depression in Teenagers?Child Mind Institute
Learn how depression can look different from typical teenage moodiness and what changes to pay attention to.
Updated May 19, 2026What to Do if You Think Your Teenager Is DepressedChild Mind Institute
Guidance for listening, showing support, and helping your teen connect with appropriate care.
Updated January 2, 2025Depression Test for TeensChild Mind Institute
A structured symptom checker that can help a teen reflect on what they have been experiencing. It is not a diagnosis.
Family Resource Hub
Screens and social media
Technology is part of everyday life for most families. These tools can help you set realistic expectations around media use.
Updated for the AAP’s 2026 media guidance · PrintableAAP Family Media PlanHealthyChildren.org
An interactive tool for creating a personalized family plan around devices, media, sleep, and time together.
Resources available in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, French, and VietnameseCenter of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental HealthAmerican Academy of Pediatrics
Parent guidance based on the AAP’s 5 Cs framework, multilingual tip sheets, and answers to common questions about social media and youth wellbeing.
Family Resource Hub
Getting care and school support
Finding the right care and navigating school accommodations can feel overwhelming. These guides explain how to advocate for your child.
Complete Guide to Getting Good CareChild Mind Institute
An overview of what mental health treatment can involve, how to evaluate your options, and what good care should look like.
Updated March 2026 · Printable comparison chart · Podcast available in English and SpanishThe Difference Between IEPs and 504 PlansUnderstood.org
A clear comparison of two common types of school support, including who qualifies and what each plan can provide.
Family Resource Hub
When you are worried about safety
If your child is talking about suicide, self-harm, or feeling unsafe, take it seriously. These resources can help you recognize warning signs and begin a direct conversation.
Updated September 11, 2025Signs a Child Might Be SuicidalChild Mind Institute
Common warning signs to watch for and guidance on asking directly about suicide. Asking does not put the idea in a child’s mind.
Updated January 5, 2026What to Do if You’re Worried About SuicideChild Mind Institute
Clear steps to take if you are concerned that your child may be thinking about suicide.
Updated January 5, 2026Reducing Suicide Risk With Safety PlansChild Mind Institute
Learn how a safety plan can help a young person recognize warning signs, identify coping strategies, and know who to contact during a difficult moment.
Updated May 19, 2026 · Available in SpanishHelp for Cutting and Other Self-InjuryChild Mind Institute
Information about why young people may hurt themselves, how to respond without judgment, and when to seek additional support.
Printable handoutSuicide in Children and Teens: Facts for FamiliesAmerican Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
A concise overview of risk factors, warning signs, prevention, and treatment.
Understanding Firearms and Suicide PreventionAmerican Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Nonjudgmental guidance for making firearms less accessible when someone may be at risk.
What we do
Frequently asked questions
Who the Coaches are, what stays between your child and their Coach, what happens when safety is at stake, and how a family gets access.