Abstract: This presentation will explore the creation of an On-line, Teen Resource Library used by healthcare professionals to educate adolescents concerning health-related topics and as a resource for teens (http://www.bostonchildhealth.org/Adolescent/resource_home.html). Topics covered will include the identification of health and social concerns faced by inner-city teens today and the challenges encountered in finding appropriate health-related information on the web. Health and social issues were identified through the completion of an Internet Use survey (n=149), and through individual interviews conducted with inner-city youth and healthcare professionals. Data was compiled and categorized into nine healthcare areas: relationships, sexuality, nutrition, fitness, violence, alcohol and drugs, jobs/career, teen parenting, and college. Several hundred web sites were reviewed for age-appropriate material and culturally competent information using established Benton Foundation guidelines. The majority of healthcare information available via the Internet was directed toward health-care professionals, teachers and parents in the form of government reports, on-line journal articles or in the form of curriculum-based material. Material targeted a white, middle to upper class audience and was unavailable in languages other than English. Examples of Internet sites chosen and rejected will be reviewed and discussed.
See www.bostonchildhealth.org/Adolescent/resource_home.html
Learning Objectives: Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to 1. Identify health and social concerns faced by inner-city adolescents, 2. Understand the challenges encountered in identifying appropriate health-related information on the web for teens, 3. Evaluate Internet resources for age-appropriate material and culturally competent information
Keywords: Adolescent Health, Internet
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Boston Medical Center
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.