ATL Responsibilities
Hi, everyone! Welcome to our forum discussion on the responsibilities of ATLs. You may be wondering, what is an ATL? Is it contagious? Good questions! In this post, I’ll answer these questions, maybe cause new ones to arise, and hopefully educate everyone about the importance of both being responsible as an ATL, and what the role entails.
What is an ATL?
An ATL (stands for adult-teen listener), is a listener who can support both adults and teens. These listeners are all over the age of 18, but have been through an interview with a highly experienced listener, and go through a background check (if they reside in the USA). The role is to be a listener for the teen side along with the adult side 🌟
What should an ATL be like?
An ATL should be professional but approachable, and prioritise teen safety. They should be familiar with how teens act and behave, what works for them in terms of support, know the differences between how to talk with adults VS teens, and understand that the atmospheres in the chat rooms are not the same.
Key Differences Between Teen and Adult Sides
An adult listener is a bit more formal and professional *generally*, you could say. On the other hand, when interacting with teens, ATLs are often more laid back and casual (for example, more use of emojis, perhaps) so they can be approached for support without much hesitation from teens. Obviously, we should be professional with teens (if not even more so with them than with adults). It’s important to note that professionalism isn’t all about correct spelling, grammar, punctuation etc. -- it is about how we conduct ourselves as listeners. See this resource for further information! –--> http://bit.ly/2OwzU6QÂ
Inappropriate Behaviour…
Behaviour by ATLs that is inappropriate includes, but is not limited to:
Offsite contact
Flirting
Unprofessionalism
Asking for peer/chat/personal support from a teen user
Encouraging rule breaking
Useful Links 🦺
Questions To Consider…
If you’re an adult…
Would you ever want to become an ATL, and why?
How do you think an ATL can ensure quality listening and support teen members?
If you’re a teen…
How are you feeling about chatting with ATLs now?
What can ATLs do to be more approachable?
@Rebekah i turn 18 in a few months and have quite a few long terms teens that i've been listening to. is there any smooth transition i can make to become an atl without losing contact with them / losing their chats? if so, how long is the process so i can start it asap?
@northernlights47
Thought. These listeners might know. The answer of question since  these listeners are in charge. Of atl program.
@Reachforthestars00 thank you for tagging them!!
@northernlights47 Yes! There are lots of things you can do! We have a whole Teen Transition Mentor program and we support and mentor teens through the aging up process of switching from the teen side to the adult (18+) side of 7 Cups and helping them work towards ATL if they want.
https://www.7cups.com/forum/agingup/TeenTransitioningMentoringProgram_2492/GrowingOldIsMandatory_355362/Â
@MistyMagic
thanks for  help there.
you are a good listener
keep up the good work
@Reachforthestars00 You are most welcome!
@MistyMagic that sounds awesome, thanks! i still have a few doubts though. so once I turn 18 I can no longer be a teen listener? even though I am technically eighteen and have been listening to only teens for a while now?Â
also, I don't want to lost any of my chats. is there anything I can do about it?
@Rebekah Great post! Thank you!
Questions To Consider…
If you’re an adult…
Would you ever want to become an ATL, and why?
I became an ATL over 7 years ago and I have loved it! I have met lots of wonderful teens, played with them in the rooms, had lots of fun, and then supported those teens through their long and individual journeys going on to become wonderful adults and even Ambassadors! This makes me feel especially proud of all their achievements and also makes me feel a bit like the Cups GrandMom too!
How do you think an ATL can ensure quality listening and support teen members?
Oh yes! There are lots of ways, from taking extra training like the Academy Quality Listening Program, or completing all the training guides https://www.7cups.com/listener/training/ and also visiting the Teen Only Zone forums. Training builds confidence and a good knowledge base is important. Of course making sure we have mentors to turn to as well can be a good move. But just as important is being able to empathise with teens, we all have an inner child and tapping into that can really help us to support teens and stay younger ourselves too!
If you’re a teen…
How are you feeling about chatting with ATLs now?
What can ATLs do to be more approachable?
I am really interested in the answers to these!
@MistyMagic, thank you so much for your reply! đź’™ brilliant answers!
@Rebekah
excellent to see info about ATLs in the S&K community. such a critical support role and i am glad to see education on it with the emphasis on adult:teen appropriate conduct. thanks Rebekah!
Hello,
I can’t see any of the text of your post except for the links. I can’t see the replies from everyone else to your posts.
Thanks,
~Nicole