Youth Resources for the School Year

Students across Ohio have returned to classrooms, and families are getting back into the routine of a new school year. The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) is sharing the N88 youth campaign to help students, families, educators, and community members learn about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and feel more comfortable starting conversations about mental wellness.

N88, pronounced “Nate,” is a youth-created campaign developed to make the 988 Lifeline more recognizable and approachable for young people. The campaign encourages students to remember that it is never too late to call, text, or chat 988 when they or someone they know needs emotional support.

“During the school year, students are balancing schoolwork, activities, and other pressures, and it is important to remind them that support is available whenever they need it,” said OSPF CEO Tony Coder. “N88 gives students a relatable way to talk about mental wellness and helps connect them with 988.”

The N88 Toolkit includes ready-to-use resources for schools, parents, caregivers, and community partners, including frequently asked questions, social media content, outreach templates, talking points, posters, a brand guide, and the “Where’s N88?” printable activity. The toolkit is available at https://tinyurl.com/N88resources.

OSPF encourages educators, families, student groups, coaches, youth-serving organizations, and community partners across the state to use the toolkit throughout the school year to share positive mental wellness messages, display campaign materials, and help students know where to turn for support.

Mental Wellness Tips

For students:

• Build small routines that support your well-being, such as getting enough sleep, eating regular meals, moving your body, and taking breaks from screens.
• Talk with a trusted adult, friend, counselor, coach, or family member when stress feels heavy or hard to manage.
• Make time for activities that help you reset, such as music, art, journaling, walking, sports, or spending time with supportive people.
• Remember that asking for help is a sign of strength.

For parents and caregivers:

• Start regular, low-pressure conversations about school, friendships, stress, and mental wellness.
• Listen calmly and without judgment when a young person shares concerns and let them know they are not alone.
• Watch for changes in sleep, mood, appetite, behavior, social connection, or school performance that may signal a need for extra support.
• Help students create healthy routines, including consistent sleep, balanced meals, physical activity, downtime, and limits around technology.

For more information and resources, visit the Be Present Ohio website at bepresentohio.org and follow @BePresentOhio on Instagram.