Using text messaging to affect teen health

Ybarra, Michele. (2008). Using Text Messaging to Affect Teen Health. Presented at the Texting 4 Health Conference, Pala Alto, CA.

Summary:

This presentation explores general indicators of text messaging use among US teens; explains our ‘philosophy’ of technology and health (when to use technology, when to use traditional delivery methods); and discusses a case study: TXTing 4 Bettering Parenting project.

Findings include:

1. Young people are using text messaging (1:4 10-15 year olds).

2. We need to harness the technologies they are using (where they are) to reach them.

3.Don’t re-invent the wheel; adapt existing interventions for new technologies.

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