The Healing Power of Technology
Addressing Adolescent Health Crises in the New Millennium

The explosion in the use of computer technology and the Internet has offered an unparalleled opportunity to the field of Adolescent Health Care. In an attempt to confront some of the most serious and damaging threats to adolescents, technology offers a potential heretofore untested in the service of intervention and prevention. It also raises a number of issues and challenges in uncharted territory yet to be addressed. Using this technology we have the capacity to reach greater numbers of “at risk” youth than at any other time in our history.

KidsPeace, The National Center for Kids Overcoming Crisis, has for several years been conducting national research throughout the United States. This research has focused on exploring the most critical issues of youth as identified by adolescents themselves. With an emphasis on clearly understanding crises from the perspective of adolescents, the result has been the creation of accessible, practical solution-oriented materials. This path of exploration has pointed to the utilization of technology as a unique approach to providing both intervention and prevention services to this highly vulnerable population.

TeenCentral, a new, highly unique Internet project has found itself as a pioneer in exploring technology in the service of intervening in the most serious threats to the welfare of todayts adolescents. The creation and development of this new resource has actively sought the input and participation of adolescents themselves in the identification of their most serious concerns and in molding solution-oriented approaches. The project not only provides essential facts and information in adolescent friendly language, but also offers multiple opportunities for sharing,, support and problem-solving in a safe, nonjudgmental and confidential environment.

In a climate of increased media focus and public attention on the negative aspects of peer relationships and culture, this project powerfully demonstrates the innate ability of adolescents and their motivation to provide each other with help and support when provided the opportunity and encouragement.

Author James Feldman, Ph.D.
National Director of Public Education, KidsPeace
4125 Independence Drive, Suite One
Schnecksville,pa 18078, USA
Telephone 610-799-8311, Fax 610- 799-7599