But a new range of wristbands, created in Helensburgh, has been designed to help young adults in times of crisis or upheaval.
About 1000 fluorescent silicone wristbands will today be distributed free to 4th, 5th and 6th year pupils at Hermitage Academy in the town in a pilot scheme to test their effectiveness.
Each band contains a pen drive which, when connected to a computer’s USB port, offers advice and local contact numbers on 30 topics ranging from alcohol, drugs, internet safety and bullying, how to drive safely and apply for a job. Information is laid out in text and users can also listen to an MP3 voice-over.
The Get Connected bands are the brainchild of the Helensburgh Community Mental Health team. Funding came from NHS Highland and Argyll & Bute Council, and information was provided by a range of local voluntary groups.
Carol Stuart, depute head of Hermitage Academy, said: “Young people’s confidence and resilience needs to be nurtured, so these wristbands will be a useful resource for them.
“Sometimes they’re scared to try hard in class because they don’t want to fail.
“They worry about self-image, a issue that is of more concern now than a generation ago. Internet social websites mean that any damaging information posted about someone can spread further afield very quickly. Fear is always in the background that someone will put something on Bebo or Facebook about you.
“On top of that, parental pressure to succeed at school can be greater than before. So the more advice we can give young people at their fingertips, the more chance there is they can go out and play a part in the world, rather than leave school wondering what life is all about.
“The wristbands are about empowering young people.”
Pupil Daniel Jarrett, 15, said: “All my friends wear Help for Heroes wristbands at the moment, so wearing this doesn’t feel out of place.
“There’s a lot of stuff you’re too embarrassed to ask anyone about, and the wristband lets you read up about something in private.
“I’m trying to give up smoking and it’s good to know that help is at hand.”
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