Adolescents' views about an internet platform for adolescents with mental health problems

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the needs and views of adolescents regarding the development of online support for mental health problems.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi‐structured qualitative focus group interviews were conducted with ten groups of Dutch adolescents (n=106), aged 12‐19 years, from four urban secondary schools offering different levels of education in the Southeastern part of The Netherlands. Interviews were verbally transcribed and analysed with Nvivo, using a classification based on the research questions.

Findings

The participants reported that they searched on the internet to get information or help for some mental health problems. They also expressed the need for a youth healthcare website offering information, self‐tests and anonymous help. They had different ideas about the layout of such a website, which were related to their educational level. Reliability of such a website was an important issue.

Practical implications

Adolescents reported a distinct need for online information and help for mental health problems. Youth healthcare organisations could meet this need by creating an innovative additional assistance method. These organisations should cooperate with website developers, taking into account that adolescents with different levels of education have different preferences regarding the interventions for online information and help.

Originality/value

This paper provides a conclusive examination of the needs and views of adolescents regarding development of online support for mental health problems.

Citation

Havas, J., de Nooijer, J., Crutzen, R. and Feron, F. (2011), "Adolescents' views about an internet platform for adolescents with mental health problems", Health Education, Vol. 111 No. 3, pp. 164-176. https://doi.org/10.1108/09654281111123466