Teen LifeCheck (http://www.teenlifecheck.co.uk)

common sense media says

Health site takes "whole life" approach to teen well-being.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this educational site was developed by the U.K.'s National Health Service. Designed for ages 12-15, it features a "test" that helps visitors assess how healthy they are when it comes to emotions, nutrition, family life, sexuality, substance use, and more. Generally, the site offers solid information and advice about making good choices, but parents may want to review the Alcohol and Safe Sex sections because the U.S. and U.K. have different laws about teen drinking and teen sex -- and because parents' opinions on the "best answer" to a question may not be the same as the site's.

Educational value: Teaches teens facts about physical, emotional, and sexual health, and presents the information in an engaging and age-appropriate way. Includes lots of links to resources, although some won't be useful to teens in the U.S. (like helplines and places that offer support).
Positive messages: Offers advice and resources to help teens make healthy choices, improve their self-esteem, respect others, feel safe, and other important issues. Encourages teens to set goals to improve areas in their lives that could use a boost.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: The Safe Sex section discusses the benefits of waiting to have sex, offers advice about avoiding pressure, and briefly addresses birth control and STD prevention. (Note: The site mentions it's illegal for teens under 16 to have sex; in the U.S., laws about teen sex vary from state to state.) The section links to a teen sexual health site that offers more detailed factual information on anatomy, birth control, abortion, and other topics.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: The site strongly discourages smoking and drug use and offers resources for quitting or getting help. Because the drinking age is lower in the England than the U.S., the site allows for the fact that teens may drink, but warns about the dangers of alcohol abuse.
Privacy & safety: Users may enter a first name or nickname when they take the quiz, but the site doesn't collect email addresses or any other information.

More on Teen LifeCheck

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Why do some people smoke cigarettes and abuse alcohol and other drugs? Why would people do something that's harmful to their bodies and minds? How might messages from the media influence their decisions?
  • Families can talk about how communicating about feelings is an important part of being emotionally healthy. What are some healthy ways to express yourself when you're feeling angry or sad? Who can you talk to when you need help with a problem?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Teen LifeCheck takes a comprehensive "whole life" approach that tackles issues like crime, friendship, and attitudes about school -- topics that are frequently overlooked by adolescent health sites. The smartly designed site will keep teens engaged as they're learning helpful tips about getting -- and staying -- healthy. After users complete the quiz, they'll find out where they can go for support or additional information. Some of that information is specific to the U.K. and won't be useful for American teens, but the tips and the goal-setting feature are helpful regardless of a visitor's location.

This review was written by Susan Yudt
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

undergurl
kid, 12 years old
 
okay I took it and foudn nothing wrong with it except one quest that ask, "Your friend tells you about they goign to have sex, what do you reply?" That is the only bad thing sbut the scores are pretty accerate.

Sing365
kid, 13 years old
 
Good for Older Teens, Not for younger Teens
It says it is for 12 to 15, but I think that it's for 14 and up. I tried taking the quiz and while it's for a good reason, some wasn't exactly good. There was a few questions that related to sexual situations and if a 12 year old didn't know about that now they know! I think that the more mature topics don't have anything to do with me or any other 12 year olds, maybe even 13 year olds.

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age