A pair of related studies released by Seattle Children's Research Institute and published in the January 2009 issue of Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine found that 54% of adolescents frequently discuss high-risk activities, including sexual behavior, substance abuse or violence, using MySpace, the popular social networking Web site.
With the rise in social networking sites' popularity and use, parents and those who work with teens have concerns that these sites might expose teens to ill-intentioned online predators, cyberbullies and increased peer pressure, according to the hospital.
Using results from both studies, the researchers conclude that these Web sites are readily available tools to identify the display of health information and also to communicate with teens about these topics, and they are another way parents and physicians can learn about how adolescents make health-related choices. The researchers provide tips for parents and healthcare providers.
With the rise in social networking sites' popularity and use, parents and those who work with teens have concerns that these sites might expose teens to ill-intentioned online predators, cyberbullies and increased peer pressure, according to the hospital.
Using results from both studies, the researchers conclude that these Web sites are readily available tools to identify the display of health information and also to communicate with teens about these topics, and they are another way parents and physicians can learn about how adolescents make health-related choices. The researchers provide tips for parents and healthcare providers.
