In the wake of heightened online pressures and rampant misinformation faced by today's youth, Wake County is stepping up to offer respite and resources. Scheduled on August 2, from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the McKimmon Center at NC State, the 2025 Teen Summer Kickback provides a much-needed opportunity for teens to disconnect and engage in candid conversations about their health and future, according to the Wake County's announcement.
"Teens today face a lot of pressures and misinformation, especially online," Wake County Commissioner Cheryl Stallings stated in the initial announcement. Designed for 13- to 18-year-olds, the summit gears up to arm attendees with facts over fiction in critical areas such as sex education, HIV/STI prevention and the convoluted world of social media.
The event promises a full schedule aimed at empowerment, sporting peer-led discussions, expert talks, and an inviting atmosphere ripe with games, music, and freebies. It's not just about fun and gathering swag, though; the summit is serious about equipping teens with actionable knowledge and tools for their personal development.
A new addition to this year's program aims to involve parents and caregivers in the conversation, introducing a session at the event's opening dedicated to the Five Protective Factors. This framework is designed to strengthen families, and bolster healthy adolescent development, reinforcing the truth that support at home is as crucial as the information provided at the summit.
With space being limited, registration for the Teen Summer Kickback is essential, and parents are urged to sign up their teens promptly at the Wake County website.
