More Teens Nationwide Learn about Hotline on Channel One

Thanks to a new relationship with a news network that targets youth, more and more teenagers are learning about critical services provided by the Boys Town National Hotline.

A 30-second Hotline commercial produced by Banyan Communications airing on the Channel One Network, a news network for middle and high schools, is resulting in an increase in calls among teenagers throughout the country.

"It is fantastic to have this commercial run because of the outreach to kids across the country," said Ginny Gohr, Boys Town National Hotline Director. "We are directly in the schools and classrooms reaching our target audience and we thank Banyan for forming this relationship."

When the commercial initially aired in middle schools, counselors only realized a slight increase in calls, but when aired in high schools, the numbers soared. Days the spots ran in high schools realized an increase from an average of 850 callers to 1,000. The number of callers 18 and younger in February and March is up 23 percent over one year ago, while overall calls are up nearly 27 percent for the same time period.

"We are definitely realizing spikes in call volume when the spot airs," said Gohr.

Counselors at the Hotline say teens often just want someone who will listen without telling their parents. "Some of them call and say they saw the commercial and wanted to try it, to see if it is real," said one veteran counselor at the Hotline. "Most of the kids calling want to talk to someone without worrying that they will get in trouble. It is easier for them to share with a stranger."

"We provide them with positive comments and advice," said another crisis counselor.

Counselors say several callers have said they heard about the Hotline from the Channel One commercial, which is running for the second time in as many years. Gohr hopes the commercial will air through the end of the school year.