More Teens Use Web for Health Information
Enticed by anonymity and the availability of personalized information, teenagers are increasingly turning to the Internet for answers to health questions, the New York Times reports. Before the growth of the Internet, teenagers would "get the basics in health class" and learn the rest from "hurried conversations in school bathrooms." But because teens are online often, turning to the Web for health information is "natural," the Times reports. Some of the sites that teens can visit are TeenGrowth, KidsHealth, ZapHealth and iEmily (for girls only). All these sites offer "balanced, factual information" from medical professionals who respond to teens' health questions on a wide range of topics. The sites also contain articles on "general, sexual and emotional health" and links to additional resources. In addition, iEmily and ZapHealth offer chat rooms allowing teenagers to discuss health issues with other teens (Morris, New York Times, 3/20).
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