Positive Aspects of Youth Internet Use

The online world is transforming the experiences and relationships of youth in both positive and negative ways. Identifying youth who may be more vulnerable to Internet victimization as well as protective factors that may reduce this risk is an important public health concern. We are conducting a national, online survey of over 4000 adolescents 13-18 years of age. Questions focus on identifying positive experiences both online and offline that have protective influences on stressful contextual factors for youth, as well as behaviors that should be targeted for prevention. Findings will directly inform future Internet-based prevention programs aimed at promoting healthy youth development. This project is being conducted in partnership with the Crimes against Children Research Center at the University of New Hampshire, and the Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network (GLSEN); and is funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (R01 HD057191).