Table 1.

Text4Strength text message concepts and skills, and presentation formats.

Concepts and skills, and format		Example of one outgoing message in a sequencea
Norms and attitudes toward help seeking
	Questions about individual experience and available support	“After a lot of stress, she took a risk and talked to her teacher, who became a mentor. Who could you go to at school if you were stressed?”
	Requesting advice	“Adults want to help, but sometimes they don’t realize you want to share something. If a student wants to speak [with a] teacher, how could they get their attention?”
	Games, challenges, and activities	“If a friend broke their leg in front of you but told you not to get help, would you... A) call 911 B) wait until they said it was OK to call C) order pizza” “What if your friend was really depressed but said not to get help? I’d... A) go [with] them to a counselor B) convince them it’s okay to get help C) say suck it up”
Connections with trusted adults
	Peer video and text testimonials	“Sometimes family can be supportive during tough times. Here’s a video from Karen {VIDEO LINK} Who in your family can cheer you up??”
	Questions about individual experience and available support	“Sarah found adults in her life she could trust as mentors. Who is your most important mentor? (parent, family member, teacher, coach, neighbor, counselor, etc)”
	Requesting advice	“We want your advice…let’s say your friend got in a fight with his mom, has three papers due tomorrow, and has a soccer game tonight. Would you tell your friend to A) write his papers before the game B) skip the game C) ask his teacher or coach for help D) talk to his mom E) not sure”
	Games, challenges, and activities	“Hi, [high school] students say family, friends, and mentors can be there for you when you’re dealing with a tough time. Ready for a challenge? Tell someone in your family something you appreciate about them. Let us know how they responded.”
Connections with other social resources
	Peer video and text testimonials	“Hey! Here’s a video from John from {School} {VIDEO LINK} sharing how he made friends in [high school]. Text FRIEND after you’re done watching.”
	Questions about individual experience and available support	“Have you felt like you were trying to find your place like John? Reply YES or NO”
	Requesting advice	“It can be hard to figure out who to be friends with in high school. What advice would you give somebody who felt like they are trying to find their place?”
	Games, challenges, and activities	“Generosity is a source of strength. Want a generosity challenge? Think of someone who might be a little down and how you could go out of your way to encourage/help them. See if you can do this every day this week! Good luck!”
Strategies for emotion self-regulation
	Peer video and text testimonials	“Want to hear from Simone about how she dealt with handling a lot of things in [high school]? {VIDEO LINK}”
	Questions about individual experience and available support	“Hard feelings tell you many things. When they last a long time, it usually means you need other people involved. Could that be true here? YES NO or MAYBE”
	Games, challenges, and activities	“When you’re confused about how you’re feeling, you can do a gut check. There are three steps you can take. Want to try? YES or NO”

^aSome examples may address more than one concept or skill.