Healthy Teens

Misinformation on healthcare topics found on social media may be dangerous for teens, according to a recent analysis published in the Pediatrics Journal of the American Medical Association. As minors increasingly rely on non-expert online sources for healthcare advice, the study's authors report schools need to teach media literacy to help students learn to distinguish fact from fiction in what they read on social media and the internet. In response, to provide accurate sexual and reproductive healthcare information for teenagers, Kelly D. Rosenberger, DNP, APRN-FPA, CNM, WHNP-BC, FAANP at the UIC College of Nursing led the development of the Healthy Teens App with collaborators Valerie Gruss, PhD, APRN, CNP-BC, FAAN and Krista Jones, DNP, MSN, RN, PHNA-BC, FAAN, ELAN Fellow. The overarching goal of the Healthy Teens app is to provide access to up-to-date and accurate sexual health information for teens based on science and written by experts to promote health and wellness and reduce the health risks of HIV, other STIs, and pregnancy. The app aims to improve teens' ability to better understand their reproductive health with links to resources, support, and published evidence-based guidelines. The Health Teens App icon shows the app's purpose of providing accurate information for male and female sexual and reproductive health. Colors are UIC and UI health mixed with Gen Z colors: neon green, bright sunny yellow, millennial pink, all-inclusive lavender, and vivid magenta. Gradients are used to cater to Gen Z's aesthetic. On the Healthy Teens App Home Page, 6 different sections were developed and designed for content. The first section titled “My Body” discusses anatomy, terminology, sexual attraction, and orientation. The second section titled “Let's Talk About It” provides effective communication skills for teens. The third section provides an overview of “Common STIs” including signs & symptoms. The fourth section provides an overview of “Birth Control and Teen Pregnancy”. The fifth section provides an interactive “Top Myths & Truths” allowing teens to know the facts from fiction related to STIs, birth control, and teen pregnancy. The sixth section is for making a confidential appointment and will go live after the final beta testing is completed.