The way we think about confidentiality (keeping things private) for teenagers is different from how we think about it for adults. Here are some important points to consider:

1. Legal Rights: Teens have certain rights when it comes to keeping their health information private. This is especially true for topics like sexual health, mental health, and drug use. For example, in many places, teenagers can get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) without telling their parents.

2. Involving Parents: Teenagers often need their parents for help and support, but this can clash with their desire for privacy. For example, if a teenager wants to talk to someone about their mental health problems, they might hesitate if they know their parents will find out.

3. Growing Up: Teenagers are still learning how to make decisions. It can be tough to balance their need for privacy with the help they might need from adults.

It’s really important to understand these points to help build trust between teens and healthcare providers.