Health & Well-Being-Site counsels teens on sexual health
The American Social Health Association (ASHA) of Research Triangle Park, NC, has a Web site that speaks to teens and their parents on the topics of sexuality, sexual health, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The site, www.iwannaknow.org, educates teens with honest information, cutting through myths and misconceptions that permeate their world — cyberspace.
ASHA sought advice from teen focus groups and the guidance of a national advisory panel comprised of experts in teen education, nursing, pediatrics, and advocacy when constructing the site.
Teens surveyed by ASHA said they wanted a safe place to learn about their developing bodies, emotional changes, and sexual health, including STDs. The focus groups revealed a widespread desire of teens to be provided with no-nonsense information that respects their intellect. The site deliberately avoids a lot of teen jargon that would come across as trying too hard to sound "hip."
Parents are encouraged to visit the site and its Parents' Guide, which advises with communications tips and attempts to lessen discomfort with the sensitive subject matter.
The site's components include:
• "South Treybourne Diaries" — realistic daily chronicles of several fictional characters that deal with their lives within this soap opera format;
• STD information delivered with broad, bulleted strokes accompanied by a more exhaustive section for thorough discussion of the topics, along with a glossary;
• Numerous on-line links that refer teens and parents to the varied expertise of peer organizations that cover related areas of concern;
• The Parents' Guide, which includes links to other helpful on-line resources.
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