ONLINE HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH LITERACY FOR YOUTH

YooMagazine.net is an interactive health and mental health literacy program designed for youth, parents and teachers. It gives youth reliable information in a variety of formats while providing schools with timely information about students’ health and mental health needs.

Product

In addition to providing young people with access to expert health information in a variety of formats (info sheets, how-to sheets, Q&As, quizzes, magazine articles), the program provides each participating school the capacity to assess student health needs through an on-line health survey administered annually. The survey includes indicators of health and mental health needs as well as academic outcomes, including levels of motivation for learning. Results are anonymous and specific to each school. When completed annually the survey can serve as a snap shot of student health needs and emerging trends.

Purpose

YooMagazine.net aims to improve health literacy, reduce stigma and facilitate decision making among youth by providing them with accurate health and health information in a variety of online and interactive formats. The tool also helps each participating school to assess student health needs and plan responsive and appropriate school-based programs and resources.

Background

The program was developed and is directed by Dr. Darcy Santor at the Centre and by Dr. Alexa Bagnell, at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax, with the contributions from experts across the country. YooMagazine is supported by a number of institutions and is provided to schools and community groups in Ontario and Nova Scotia no charge, but is being implemented in schools throughout Canada.

Download one-pager in printable PDF format

Related Web Pages

• YooMagazine.net

For information, contact the centre at 613-737-2297 or onthepoint@cheo.on.ca