Follow us on TikTok – @CareCoalitionAZ

Greetings readers! 

If you are reading this, you are #1 – awesome! and #2 – most likely have heard about TikTok, if not already have an account. TikTok is a source of entertainment, bringing the community together, and even a place to learn new things! Well, we are thrilled to announce that our very own CARE Coalition TikTok account is now live! While we hope you will follow us, we also want to use this week as an opportunity to highlight other wonderful and resourceful accounts that we follow, and suggest you do as well. Before we dive in any further, here are this week’s affirmations: 

  • Social media is a useful tool for me to spread positivity. 

  • I follow others who make me feel good.

  • I will not respond to online bullies or online negativity.

TikTok, the social media platform, is a space for users to create and share short videos ranging from 15 seconds – 3 minutes long. Some common themes in videos these days are dancing, cleaning, DIY projects, storytelling, and education, but the possibilities are endless! 

Our account, @CareCoalitionAZ will be used as a creative space to share information about our upcoming classes, the programs we implement, announcements, and reminders for CARE Coalition meetings. We of course cannot forget all the important educational information surrounding teen pregnancy prevention and parenting tips! If you have an idea for us, we would love for you to share it with us, either below in the comments section or through our social media accounts… including TikTok! 

Other than our account, if you are looking for educational, creative, and AWESOME accounts to follow, below are some of our favorite recommendations: 

  • @nami – The National Alliance on Mental Illness provides information and resources on mental illnesses, coping skills, and much more!

  • @trevorproject – The Trevor Project provides suicide prevention and mental health services for LGBTQIA+ youth.

  • @iwantmydiploma – Graduation Solutions helps students in AZ graduate high school. They share information surrounding study tips and tricks, motivation tips, mental health reminders, recipes for cheap and yummy meals, and more! 

  • Of course, we cannot forget our AZ Colleges and Universities! (Some of our favorites do not yet have TikTok accounts, but below are a few!)

While the accounts above are some of our highlighted favorites, there are so many wonderful accounts we were not able to mention. As you start or continue your TikTok journey, use these questions below to gauge whether an account is one you might want to follow:

  • Is this account a verified account? 

    • A verified account (one with a blue checkmark next to the account name) is one that has been proven as being official and that they are who they claim to be. While the verified checkmark is not necessary, it can help you determine which account is real or fake if there are multiple with the same name.

  • Have they posted anything in the last 6 months?

  • Is this account sharing helpful resources and reliable information?

  • Do I find these videos funny, informational, or useful?

If the answers are mostly “yes”, then you may want to follow the account! If the answers are mostly “no”, take a moment to reconsider following the account. It’s important to surround yourself with people who provide helpful, reliable, and positive messages and information. This is true with the people in your life, and the people and accounts you are interacting with online. 

Happy TikToking! 

Here’s how YOU can be a Prevention Partner:

  • Ensure that you are being a kind social media user. Avoid cyberbullying or being mean to others online (and in person too!). Instead, spread kindness wherever you can. One compliment can make someone’s day!

  • Follow and connect with us on TikTok and our other social media accounts!

  • Follow the accounts we suggested or find your own favorites! Share one of your favorite accounts with a friend!