New parent education session joins lineup at Teen Summer Kickback
Being a teenager today isn’t easy. From the constant noise of social media to the pressure of always being “on,” young people are navigating a world filled with expectations and challenges like never before.
That’s why СѼƵ County is hosting the 2025 Teen Summer Kickback - a free, one-day event designed to give students a space to unplug, speak up and build on the confidence and skills they need to thrive.
This youth event will be on Saturday, Aug. 2, from 1-9 p.m. at the McKimmon Center at NC State. It’s open to teens ages 13 to 18 who are currently enrolled in school.
“Teens today face a lot of pressures and misinformation, especially online,” said СѼƵ County Commissioner Cheryl Stallings. “Our hope is that every teen who attends has a safe, inclusive space to get the facts and develop life skills that will serve them for years to come.”
Why should teens attend?
Led by the СѼƵ County HIV, STD & Hep C Community Program and СѼƵ County Child Welfare, this dynamic summit will tackle facts vs. myths around comprehensive sex education, HIV/STI prevention, healthy communication, peer pressure, substance use and the growing impact of social media on youth behavior.
The Teen Summer Kickback features:
- Peer-led sessions and expert speakers
- Games, music, giveaways and food
- A judgment-free zone to ask questions and explore the choices that shape teens’ health and future
Attendees will walk away with practical tools and knowledge to make informed decisions.
Parent and caregiver education session
This year’s event also includes a new opportunity for parents and caregivers with a dedicated parent education session at the beginning of the event. The session will focus on the Five Protective Factors – a research-based framework that strengthens families and supports healthy youth development.
Through this addition, we aim to equip parents and guardians with the knowledge and tools they need to support their teens through every stage of growth.
Space is limited and registration is required. Parents can sign their kids up at wake.gov/teensummit.
The Teen Summer Kickback is presented by СѼƵ County Public Health and СѼƵ County Social Services, in partnership with the СѼƵ Partners HIV/STI Coalition.
