Teen Online Resources
Fact-checking
Associated Press Fact Check – This site offers additional resources for popular news. It is provided by the Associated Press, a nonprofit independent news organization committed to covering news stories around the world.
American Press Institute – This site provides fact-checking resources on a wide range of resources from politics to public interest. The American Press Institute is a nonprofit educational organization that conducts research and training, and creates tools for journalists with the intent to promote reliable news media.
FactCheck.org – This nonprofit, nonpartisan organization tries to reduce the level of deception and confusion in U.S. politics. They analyze the accuracy of what is being said in the news and media by politicians and affiliates.
Snopes.com – This has grown to be one of the largest fact-checking sites. David Mikkelson, a professional researcher and writer, created it in 1994 to share research on urban legends. Operational for now, it’s future may be uncertain due to a legal battle.
PolitiFact.com – PolitiFact is devoted to fact-checking claims that pertain to American politics. They analyze statements and rate their accuracy on a truth scale. It is run by the independent newspaper the Tampa Bay Times. Also associated with PolitiFact is PunditFact, a site dedicated to fact-checking pundits.
Bursting the Filter Bubble
AllSides.com – AllSides is a news provider dedicated to providing multiple angles on the same story. They don’t create their own content; rather, they provide users with multiple sources from left- and right-wing news providers. AllSides’ mission is to combat the polarization of politics in our society that is a result of information being filtered by social media sites and search results.
College Resources
Learning Express Library – Brush up your skills before taking the SAT or GRE; practice your math, reading or writing skills; and so much more. A comprehensive selection of educational resources are available—including more than 1,000 tutorials, practice exams and eBooks.
Free Driver Education Program
The driver education program contains the following state-specific information: – 11 car practice tests, 9 motorcycle practice tests, 12 CDL (commercial driver’s license) practice tests, 3 online driver’s manuals (car, motorcycle, CDL), and an FAQ section with detailed answers to over 100 DMV-related questions. The program automatically updates as new practice tests become available.
Note on accessibility: The new Read Aloud toolbar (found in the footer of every page) includes tools that let users hear selections read aloud or make them into MP3s, translate pages into other languages, magnify text, and mask sections of the screen for greater visibility. All tests can now be read aloud by ESL speakers, those with vision problems, and those with such learning disabilities as dyslexia.
Mental Wellness
TurningPointCT.org – This site was developed by teens and young adults in CT to guide young people in their search for mental wellness. It features peer support and advice through questions & answers, videos, personal stories and a discussion forum.
LGBTQIA+
GLSEN – is a leading national education organization working to create safe schools for all students. GLSEN stands for the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network.
Creating a Welcoming Campus & Community– Extensive information about organizations and resources leading the way and encouraging the LGBTQ community by creating a more diverse environment. Information to help find a supportive campus which provides a safe space for LGBTQ students and thereby enriches their education.
College Scholarships for LGBTQ Students– Designed to help students look for financial aid and scholarship opportunities. There’s a section dedicated to those who have not come out yet and questions they may have about LGBTQ scholarships.
Internet Safety
Teen Safety on the Information Highway http://www.safeteens.com
On Your Own?
What are your rights and who can you call? https://speakupteens.org/
Learn to Code
Codecademy – Codecademy is the most famous website to teach you to code interactively, thanks to its helpful interface and well-structured courses you will be coding after your first lesson!
Code Avengers – Learn how to code games, apps and websites with fun and effective interactive games. HTML, CSS and JavaScript tutorials are for beginners.
Scratch – Program your own interactive stories, games, and animations — and share your creations with others in the online community.
Homework Help and Reference
Khan Academy – Offers practice exercises, instructional videos, and personalized learning to empower learners to study at their own pace in and outside of the classroom. Subjects include math, science, computer programming, history, art history, economics
America’s Story – America’s Story from America’s Library” wants you to have fun with history while learning at the same time. AWESOME web site from the Library of Congress.
Cool Math – If you love math, hate math or need homework help, this site’s for you!
Learning Express Library – practice your math, reading or writing skills; brush up your skills before taking the SAT or GRE; and so much more. A comprehensive selection of educational resources are available—including more than 1,000 tutorials, practice exams and eBooks.
Alcohol Awareness
Quiz – Do you have alcohol issues? This self-test for teens was created by the NCADD (National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence).
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) for Teens has a few free, online games that explore what happens to the brain and body when drugs and alcohol are used.
Alcohol and You: An Interactive Body – Click on a part of the body to learn how alcohol affects that part of the body, presented by the NIAAA (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism).
The Harms of Excessive Drinking -This infographic visually explains the difference between binge drinking and heavy drinking for men and women, along with the potential public and individual dangers of both.
Have an online resource to recommend? Did a link not work? Let us know! Please email us (the Teen Department).