Youth turning to search engines for advice

Youth are more likely to seek advice from search engines than from family, friends and professionals.

Of over 400 youth surveyed, 64% turned to Google and other websites for information about sex, drugs, alcohol, depression, health and other issues. The second common source of advice was friends at 46%, followed by TV shows at 15% and magazines at 11%.

The results are from a recent Colmar Brunton survey commissioned by Youthline, who have voiced concern over the opportunity for misinformation from internet and television sources.

“The need for a safe, engaging, and informative online space for young people has never been more evident,” Stephen Bell, Youthline Auckland CEO says. “We, in partnership with young people and other likeminded organisations, are committed to delivering such a space.”

Youthline’s profile as the most recognised New Zealand Youth Support Agency makes it well placed as a key online hub of information, advice, and community for young people and their supporters, in addition to their person-to-person, phone and text support.

YouthONline (YO!) is Youthline’s online experience that is being developed with the generous support of the Vodafone World of Difference Programme. The project will deliver an updated web presence, together with a suite of cutting edge tools, including a web chat counselling platform, a social media style platform, and face-to-face video counselling platform.

Auckland University and Lifeline are also working with Youthline to deliver SPARX, the recently released computer-based e-therapy programme that uses computer game technology to assist young people working through depression.