Young People's Use of the Internet for Emotional Wellbeing
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Young People, the Internet, and Mental Health: An Opportunity for Online Service Participation and Provision
IRAS ID
134373
Contact name
Matthew Boardman
Contact email
Research summary
The proposed research will explore how young people (aged 11 to 18) use the internet in relation to their emotional wellbeing. The study will also gather young people's responses to professional concerns regarding the provision of mental health services online. Participants will be recruited from Newham Child and Family Consultation Service (CFCS) and secondary schools in Newham. Consent will be obtained from both the young person and a parent/guardian (if under 16).
Using online one to one interviews and a private online message board, participants will be invited to talk about how they use the internet to support their own emotional needs and those of their peers. Professional concerns regarding online service provision (such as concerns in developing a therapeutic relationship and concerns around risk) will be shared with the young people, who will be asked to think of their responses and potential solutions to these issues. Participants will engage in both real-time one to one discussion with the researcher via online interview, and also discussion with peers on an online message board. It is hoped this method of communication will be familiar with this age group, and facilitate exploratory research and problem solving discussions.REC name
London - Stanmore Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/1433
Date of REC Opinion
22 Oct 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion