Internet use and health among children and adolescents in the United States

Ybarra, Michele. (2005). Internet use and health among children and adolescents in the United States. Presented at the Mbarara University, Deparment of Pediatrics, Grand Rounds, Mbarara, Uganda.

Summary:

This presentation explores general Internet usage data; the Internet as a healthcare resource; online experiences and relationships; reviews Internet-based interventions; and suggests opportunities for future research.

Findings include:

1. The Internet is an important new resource for intervention and prevention efforts.

2. The web’s wide scope represents an opportunity to reach people that may not otherwise seek treatment either because of stigma, access to providers, or need for privacy.

3. Early results suggest that behavioral interventions can affect positive behavioral change and self-efficacy.

4. As the Internet continues to grow in popularity, innovative and rigorous research is needed to utilize its technology as an aid in public health approaches to youth-based health treatment and prevention.

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