When you’re a teenager in Quebec and something’s weighing on you, knowing who to call—or text—can make all the difference. Tel-jeunes is a free, confidential support service built specifically for teens aged 12 to 17, available by phone, text, and online chat every single day of the year.
Age range: 12–17 · Hours of operation: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM (midnight) daily · Cost: Free · Confidentiality: Yes · Phone number: 1-800-263-2266 · Text number: 514-600-1002
Quick snapshot
- Free and confidential for Quebec teens 12–17 (Gouvernement du Québec (health authority))
- Phone support at 1-800-263-2266 (Tel-jeunes (official service))
- Text support at 514-600-1002 (Gouvernement du Québec (health authority))
- Exact founding year of Tel-jeunes is not specified on the site
- Number of volunteers or staff is not published
- No detailed usage statistics or outcome data available
- Phone service available daily 6 a.m. to 2 a.m.
- Text and chat available daily 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- Service operates 365 days a year (211 Quebec directory (community services line))
- No official forum exists; social media offers community connection (@tel.jeunes on Instagram)
Here is a quick-reference summary of the core facts about Tel-jeunes.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1990s (exact year not specified on site) |
| Service area | Quebec, Canada |
| Languages | French and English |
| Website | teljeunes.com |
| @tel.jeunes | |
| Phone number | 1-800-263-2266 |
| Text number | 514-600-1002 |
| Age range | 12–17 years |
| Cost | Free |
| Confidential | Yes |
How can I text Tel-jeunes?
The texting service at Tel-jeunes is one of the most direct ways for teens to reach out without having to speak aloud. You can text the service at 514-600-1002, and it works like any regular SMS conversation—your messages are confidential and the service is free of charge.
What is the Tel-jeunes text number?
- Text number: 514-600-1002
- Available in both French and English
- Standard message and data rates from your mobile carrier may apply
How does the texting service work?
When you send a text, a professional intervener responds within minutes. The conversation is one-on-one, and you can share as much or as little as you’re comfortable with. Tel-jeunes describes its service as “a confidential and judgement-free space” for teens. The person on the other end will ask a few general questions like your age and city for statistical purposes, but your name and identity remain private (Tel-jeunes (privacy policy)).
What are the hours for texting?
According to the Quebec government’s health resource directory, the texting service operates from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. every day. This schedule is confirmed by the 211 Quebec directory, which lists the same window.
Tel-jeunes’ own English contact page lists chat and phone hours from 8 a.m. to midnight (Tel-jeunes (contact page)). That’s a discrepancy with the government’s 10:30 p.m. cutoff, so confirm the exact hours on the evening you need them.
The pattern: Tel-jeunes is consistent about how to reach them by text, but the exact end time varies by source. If you’re texting after 10 p.m., you’re better off calling instead.
Is Tel-jeunes for adults?
The short answer is no—Tel-jeunes is designed specifically for teens aged 12 to 17. Adults who call will be directed to other services that are better suited to their needs.
What age group does Tel-jeunes serve?
The Quebec government describes Tel-jeunes as “a free and confidential service provided by professionals for children aged 12 to 17 years.” This age range is strictly enforced—the service is meant to be a peer-adjacent space where teens can talk without adults listening in.
Can adults use Tel-jeunes?
Adults cannot access the core helpline services. However, Tel-jeunes does offer a parent helpline at 1-800-361-5085, listed both by the Quebec government and by 211 Quebec (community services registry). That line is for parents seeking advice on how to support their teen.
Is there a separate service for parents?
Yes, but it’s not a dedicated crisis line. The parent number connects you to Tel-jeunes staff who can offer general guidance and resources. On the Tel-jeunes website, there’s a section specifically for parents with articles and tools.
If you’re a parent in Quebec, you have a dedicated line at 1-800-361-5085, but it’s a guidance line, not a hotline. For crisis support for yourself, look to adult resources like Tel Aide Montreal.
The implication: Parents get a useful resource, but the service is fundamentally designed to put the teen—not the parent—at the center of the conversation.
Up to what age is Tel-jeunes available?
The cutoff is clear: you must be under 18. Once you turn 18, the service will refer you to appropriate adult resources.
What is the upper age limit?
Tel-jeunes explicitly states it serves youth 12 to 17 years old. This is consistent across all official sources, including the service’s own website.
What happens when you turn 18?
At 18, you are considered an adult and can no longer use Tel-jeunes. The organization provides referrals to adult mental health services and community resources. The transition is explained on their contact page.
Are there exceptions?
No exceptions to the age requirement have been documented. If you’re 17 but turning 18 soon, you can still use the service until your birthday.
Tel-jeunes’ strict age gate means a 17-year-old can call today but not a day after their 18th birthday. That’s a sharp cutoff for a service that builds trust over time—so know your transition plan in advance.
The pattern: The line is firm. If you’re approaching 18, identify a backup resource before your birthday arrives.
What resources does Tel-jeunes offer?
Tel-jeunes isn’t just a hotline; it’s a multi-channel resource hub that covers mental health, relationships, school stress, and more. Here’s what’s actually available.
What type of support is available?
- Phone: Call 1-800-263-2266 to speak with a professional intervener
- Text: Send a message to 514-600-1002 for written support
- Chat: Live chat is available on the Tel-jeunes website (teljeunes.com)
- Peer chat: A teen-to-teen chat option runs from 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
All services are covered in both French and English, and the website hosts articles on topics like anxiety, relationships, bullying, and school performance.
Are there employment resources?
Tel-jeunes does not appear to offer direct employment services, but the website includes career-related articles and guidance for teens thinking about their future. For job-specific help, Quebec’s youth employment centers are a better fit.
Is there a forum or community?
There is no official Tel-jeunes forum. However, the organization maintains active social media accounts on Instagram (@tel.jeunes), YouTube, and Facebook, where teens can engage with content and community in a moderated space. The Instagram bio describes the service as “Confidential, free, non‑judgmental. 100% for teens.”
By offering phone, text, chat, and social media, Tel-jeunes meets Quebec teens where they already communicate. The peer chat option is a smart addition—teens may feel more comfortable talking to someone closer to their own age.
The implication: This isn’t a single-point service. It’s a full ecosystem designed to lower every barrier to reaching out.
Is there a Tel-jeunes service for parents?
Yes, though it’s more limited than the teen service. Parents can access resources and a dedicated helpline number.
What resources exist for parents?
The Tel-jeunes website has a section with articles and guides written for parents of teens. Topics include communication strategies, understanding teen mental health, and how to offer support without overstepping. The Quebec government’s resource page also lists the parent helpline at 1-800-361-5085.
Can parents call on behalf of their teen?
Yes, parents can call the teen helpline for general advice, but the service is designed for the teen themselves. The intervener may ask to speak directly with the teen to provide proper support.
Is there a parent helpline?
There is no separate 24/7 parent crisis line. The 1-800-361-5085 number is answered by Tel-jeunes staff during regular hours. For after-hours parent support, the Quebec government recommends other community resources.
For Quebec parents, the biggest gap is the lack of after-hours support specifically for them. The teen gets 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. coverage, but the parent line follows more limited hours.
The pattern: The parent line is a daytime guidance channel, not a crisis resource. If you need help late at night, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
How to get started with Tel-jeunes in 3 steps
Getting support from Tel-jeunes is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to each contact method.
-
Choose your contact method
- Phone: Best for urgent concerns or when you need to hear a voice. Dial 1-800-263-2266.
- Text: Best for quiet situations or if you find speaking difficult. Send a message to 514-600-1002.
- Chat: Best if you’re already online and prefer typing. Go to teljeunes.com and click the chat icon.
-
Know what to expect
When you connect, you’ll be asked a few basic questions for statistical purposes—your age, gender, and city—but never your name. You don’t need to provide any identifying information to get help.
-
Understand the confidentiality limits
Tel-jeunes is confidential, but with one critical exception: if the intervener believes your safety or someone else’s safety is at immediate risk, they are obligated to contact emergency services. This is standard for all helplines—it’s about keeping you alive, not about breaking trust.
“Tel-jeunes provides a free and confidential intervention service for youth in Quebec.”
— Tel-jeunes official website
“Confidential, free, non‑judgmental. 100% for teens.”
— Tel-jeunes Instagram bio
For a Quebec teen who needs someone to talk to, the choice is clear: pick up the phone, send a text, or open the chat. The service is free, it’s confidential, and it’s built specifically for you—but only until your 18th birthday. For parents in Quebec, the separate helpline at 1-800-361-5085 offers guidance, but the real support goes to the teen themselves.
truenorthbrief.com, canadianstory.org, sante.gouv.qc.ca, centredefijeunesse.com, youtube.com, smqrivesud.ca
Frequently asked questions
Is Tel-jeunes free?
Yes, Tel-jeunes is completely free of charge for all services—phone, text, and chat. Standard message and data rates from your mobile carrier may apply for texting.
Is Tel-jeunes confidential?
Yes, the service is confidential. Your name is never required. The only exception is if the intervener believes your safety or someone else’s is at immediate risk.
What are the hours of operation?
Phone support is available from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. Text and chat are available from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily. The service operates 365 days a year.
Can I use the chat service on my phone?
Yes, the live chat works on mobile browsers. Go to teljeunes.com on your phone’s browser and click the chat icon to start.
Does Tel-jeunes offer support for mental health crises?
Yes, Tel-jeunes can help with mental health concerns. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. For crisis support, you can also contact the Suicide Prevention Line at 1-866-277-3553.
Can I volunteer at Tel-jeunes?
The Tel-jeunes website does not list a volunteer program on its main pages. For inquiries, you can contact their administration at the number listed on the contact page.
Does Tel-jeunes have a mobile app?
Tel-jeunes does not currently have a dedicated mobile app. The chat service is accessible through the mobile version of their website at teljeunes.com.
How do I contact Tel-jeunes for administrative matters?
For administrative questions not related to support, you can call the Tel-jeunes administration line. The number is available on their contact page at teljeunes.com.
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Noah Gagnon is Senior Regional Reporter at Kelowna Daily, covering breaking stories and community news across the Okanagan.