California turns to computers to combat STDs

In the ongoing battle against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) parents, teachers and politicians have all been searching for an effective way to encourage young adults to practice safer sex. In this technological age, California public health officials have turned to the internet as a tool in this fight. 

California news source The Bay Citizen reports that health officials will be introducing computer games and texting services aimed at educating young people about STDs. Studies conducted by the University of Texas have shown that these programs can reduce vaginal sex by 29 percent and oral by 50 percent among this population.

“Those are really big impacts and those that we in LA County hope to emulate,” said Emily Chung, project coordinator for the program in the Los Angeles area, quoted by the news source.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that STD rates are highest among people between the ages of 15 and 24, and the median age of kids presenting with infections are getting younger each year. These statistics suggest that more efforts need to be made to educate this group on the dangers of STDs.