Friday Focus: Websites for Young People

Young people have embraced the web with enthusiasm and have realised that online resources can offer a range of exciting new learning experiences. The field of drugs is no exception and a number of UK based drug information websites have been set up specifically aimed at young people. Here we present a selection of these sites followed by a brief discussion on what makes a good website for young people.

D-World
DrugScopes own website for young people is geared at 11-14 year olds Key Stage 3. It includes games, video diaries, quizzes, a photo gallery and of course lots of information about drugs and their effects.
Healthy kids www.healthykids.org.uk This site looks at a wide variety of health topics, including drugs, and contains pages aimed at children aged from 3 up to 8.
Jonny Long life www.jonnylonglife.com Jonny Longlife provides information on issues relevant to teens including sex, relationships and drugs. There are various opportunities for young people to contribute to the site.

Lifebytes
Lifebytes is aimed at children between 11-14 years old, complementing Key Stage 3 activities in schools. It presents information concerning a wide range of health topics, including alcohol, drugs and mental health.

Drugs student survival guide
This site, aimed at students, provides information on drugs, drug use, the law, health and emergencies. Information is displayed in an accessible and colourful format.

Talk to Frank
A comprehensive site aimed mainly at young people but also useful for parents. It includes an alphabetical listing of drugs and their slang names containing information on effects, composition and price. There is also a page of young peoples' own experiences, with advice for others.

The site
A magazine style site for young people presenting a wide range of information on a range of issues. Topics include drugs, health, the law, careers and money. There are many opportunities to interact with the site.
Urban 75 www.urban75.com An e-zine for teens and young adults with bulletin boards, games, photos, and many other topics of interest. There is a detailed section on drugs, including effects, risks and harm minimisation information.

Wotz da factz
A Flash driven site with information on a wide variety of drug related topics including, school exclusion, exam pressures and drug using parents.
Mind body and soul www.mindbodysoul.gov.uk/
Mind, body and soul presents health information based on the National Curriculum for Key Stage 4 pupils - 14 -16 year olds. The drug and alcohol sections cover information about the law, what to do in an emergency, and where to get help. There is also information for teachers.

Talk4Teens
Talk4teens features information on specific health topics and issues important to young people - such as sexual health; contraception; keeping healthy; relationships; and information on drugs, alcohol and smoking. There is a confidential 'Ask the Team' Service - with questions answered by a member of the health team

What makes a good website for young people?
In the year 2000 DrugScope commissioned a study of drug education websites for young people. The study highlighted the importance of combining the learning experience with entertainment value and found that vibrant colours, magazine style layout, teen slang and interactive features were all very important to young people. Conversely, long passages of text, inconsistent design and poor layout were seen as definite turn offs.
Based on these findings DrugScope conducted its own review of young peoples websites, the aim of which was to assist practitioners looking for quality sites to use in drug education. The review identified some key components that should be included in drug information sites, namely:
Accurate, balanced and credible information
Real life experiences, such as personal stories
Discussion and debate
Interactive games and quizzes
Exploration of the risks and consequences associated with drug use
Harm minimisation and support information.

This report is available on the DrugScope website and can be downloaded here.

Jackie Buckle
Webmaster

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