Doctor reaches out to teens through text messages

In this day and age, the best way to get through to teenagers may be to use social media and the internet, especially since this is where young individuals are getting a great deal of their information. Recently, the New York Times published an article explaining how doctors are connecting to their young patients through text messages and social media in order to make sure that teens know the basics of safer sex.

The news source spoke to pediatrician Natasha Burgert from Missouri, who said that rather than hand her patients brochures on teen sexuality and drug prevention, she gives them a list of teen-friendly websites that contain all of the information they'll need. She follows up with these individuals by sending text messages with links to helpful websites or reminders to take medications.

Because Burgert doesn't want parents to become alarmed if they discover that their children are receiving text messages about sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevention, the doctor makes sure to have the approval of moms and dads first. Nevertheless, it appears as though her efforts are paying off.

"I feel more attached to Dr. Natasha this way," Marie, a high school junior from Kansas City, Kan., told the Times. "It's kind of cool. It's direct. I don't have to go through the office ladies. And I like having another adult who is safe to go to."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that the high prevalence of STDs in young people could be due to the fact that they are uncomfortable with prevention resources designed for adults. Reaching out to teens through social media could be a good way to encourage them to stay safe.