About Us

What is the Preteen Alliance?

Mention the word “preteen,” and almost everyone has a story. Between the ages of 9-13, youth go through tremendous change -- physically, cognitively and emotionally. At the same time, research shows that the attitudes and behavior patterns developed during these years can have lasting impacts into adulthood. Kids in this stage of life are uniquely vulnerable and adults need to be intentional about supporting them.

The Preteen Alliance strives to promote the emotional and behavioral health of preteens by raising public awareness about this important age group and promoting action among families and communities.

The Alliance disseminates information; sponsors public events; supports research; and serves as a network for individuals and organizations to connect, exchange information, and discuss key issues affecting preteens.

The Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health formed the Alliance in 2003, and former Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher launched the Alliance's public work at an event on June 12 of that year. The Alliance is part of the foundation's longtime interest in this age group. See a full description of the foundation's work in this area>>

Why Focus on Preteen Emotional and Behavioral Health?

National and local awareness of the need for increased attention and information about the preteen population has been growing -- particularly about the issue of preadolescent emotional health.

Early adolescence represents a particularly important transition in the human lifespan, many researchers say. Preteen years are "unmatched in the juxtaposition of simultaneous changes -- cognitive, biological, social and emotional," according to Ruby Takanishi, an expert on child and adolescence development and president of the Foundation for Child Development.

Emotional health is a particularly critical issue during preteen years. Preteens constantly face choices and risks: smoking, alcohol, bullying, depression, eating disorders, drugs, gangs, family issues and many others. Emotional problems can hinder a child's ability to function at home, at school, and in the community, and can ultimately lead to academic failure, family conflict, substance abuse, violence, suicide, and other serious issues.

Who Makes Up the Preteen Alliance?

The Alliance is comprised of more than 1,600 individuals and organizations, ranging from government agencies and nonprofits to parents and educators.

The group's advisory body represents public and private agencies and groups, in the Bay Area, as shown below:

  • Catholic Charities of San Jose
  • Children's Health Council
  • Kaiser Permanente, San Jose
  • Lucile Packard Children's Hospital
  • Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health
  • San Mateo County Health Department
  • Santa Clara County Office of Education
  • Stanford University Department of Pediatrics

What Does the Alliance Do?

The Alliance collects and disseminates information about preteens, and serves as a network for individuals and organizations to connect, exchange information, and discuss key issues affecting preteens.

Disseminating Information

Since 2003, the Alliance has published a steady stream of research about the preteen population, focusing largely on San Mateo and Santa Clara counties in California. The purpose of this research is to increase knowledge of the local preteen population and the key issues facing them, as well as to deepen our understanding of effective ways to promote their emotional health. See the research released to date: http://www.preteenalliance.org/research.html

Serving as a Network

The Alliance website was launched in January 2006 as a resource for the public to learn about research, news, events, expert advice, and programs related to preteens. In addition, the Alliance distributes an e-newsletter to its members – The Preteen Post – including news, research, events, and other resources. The Alliance also holds periodic events at which members have a chance to connect with each other and interact with experts.