HEADSS up: Adolescents and the Internet

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Abstract
The Internet contains a tremendous amount of unregulated information. Internet use gives adolescents access to a wide variety of information and communication devices, and may be associated with certain risks. To provide health care professionals with information on adolescent Internet use and its associated risks. Ninety-four per cent of Canadian youth surveyed nationwide in 2005 reported having Internet access in their homes. Parents and health care providers need to educate themselves on issues of Internet safety. The divergent means by which adolescents are using the Internet and the inherent risks associated with unsupervised and uneducated use are addressed. Parents and teenagers are provided with tips for safe Internet use, and health care providers are offered sample questions pertaining to adolescent Internet use. A large proportion of adolescents use the Internet daily. Studies examining the risks of online exposure in this age group are evolving. Awareness of the range of applications and information available online will facilitate counselling on appropriate Internet use.

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