Teenagers, Sexual Health Information and the Digital Age

Dr. McKellar received her PhD from Northumbria University. Her research interests include teenagers’ knowledge and beliefs of sexual health intervention programs, including risky behaviors specifically using technology, such as cyber bullying and sexting behaviors. Her research explores teenagers’ beliefs, knowledge and attitudes towards sexual health, leading to a sexual health intervention program aimed at reducing the amount of unplanned pregnancies and STIs in the teenage population. Elizabeth Sillence is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Northumbria University, UK and a founding member of the PaCT Lab (http://www.pactlab.org.uk). Her research interests are centred around trust and social exchange within e-health environments and she is currently examining the role of online patient experience on behaviour and decision making. Liz has published over 50 articles on trust, advice, decision making and online communication and has also written on ethical issues in mobile human-computer-interaction.

1. Introduction to sexual health2. Current research on sexual health and teenagers3. Sexual health education in schools and digital interventions4. Sexual health professional views of sexual health education5. Ethical issues when researching teenagers and sexual health6. Teenagers views of sexual health education7. Predictors of risky sexual behaviours for female teenagers8. Teenagers views of sexual health education websites and apps9. A brief online intervention to promote safe sex intentions10. Reflections and conclusions