When young people have problems, they talk to other young people and their families, or they look at their cell phones.
But what if other young people, family or cell phones are part of the problem?
Then the young people, at least if they live in the Hochtaunus district, can still use their mobile phones for advice.
Because the district of Hochtaunuskreis, like other municipalities, also offers help with an app to find help.
Nearby and free of charge.
Sounds good, but is it good?
Florentine Fritzen
Correspondent in the Hochtaunus district
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The app is available in the normal app store.
It's called "Between The Lines", just like the "non-profit start-up" with which the district has been working for three years.
Anyone who installs the recently updated app and watches it with young people will initially not be offered any local help, but videos.
The top one is on obesity, next on borderline and chocks.
The young people choose "Nihan gives tips against lovesickness".
If you are now looking for advice in the district, you have to tap on “Help offers”.
They could also watch it directly on YouTube or Instagram, where the superimposed label of a skin care brand would be less irritating.
Influencer Nihan, 25, has nothing to do with the Hochtaunus district itself.
The young people fast-forward and learn from her that it helps when someone listens and agrees.
The videos can also be filtered by problem topics, but that won't become clear until later.
At the top of the app there is a button that says "Choose City".
Eight major German cities and eight rural districts are available.
Even when this is preset, more videos appear, for example "Pregnant at 14".
The youth open “LQBTQ+ books”;
there is also that on youtube.
However, books will not be presented, but reviews from the Internet will be read out.
Last try: "Everything about my studies: I'll answer your questions".
The first: What are you studying, what advantages and disadvantages does your field of study have in your opinion?
The influencer is studying international business and fashion management and recommends finding out more and getting good advice.
That's the purpose of the app.
There is a bar at the bottom, and with a click on "Information" the videos disappear.
Anyone who goes to "Choose a topic" will receive written answers to frequently asked questions, for example: What can I do if I'm bored?
That fits quite well after the videos.
But also: When do I have a serious problem at school?
What can I do if I'm having problems with my media usage?
The balanced responses provide initial advice, for example on eating disorders and violence - and generally refer to advice centers.
There you will find names, information, telephone numbers and websites of municipalities and independent youth welfare organizations on the same topics.
The youth work of the municipality of Weilrod and the towns of Schmitten, Neu-Anspach and Usingen are often involved, as is the youth welfare office of the district.
Churches and associations also want to help.
The selection has been agreed with the youth welfare offices, the processing is clear and comprehensive.
The district now wants to promote the app with campaigns in schools and on social media.
Head of social affairs Katrin Hechler (SPD) thinks this is important because of the social isolation of many young people in the pandemic.
The help should be low-threshold, says the social democrat.
The institutions each provide an answer to the question: "Is the offer right for me?" Maps also help: "Plan your route with Google Maps!" There are also links to online organizations that provide advice via chat or video call.
And the videos will certainly help some with problem topics - together with the guides in the analog area.