October 7, 2010 - Today, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit’s (TBDHU) Sexual Health program hosted a one-day conference focusing on social media’s influence on youth sexuality and development. With the popularity of Facebook, Twitter and texting among young people, their effects on youth is a growing interest among health and community care professionals. Approximately 60 people attended from more than 25 youth-focused community agencies.

Keynote speaker Mike Swanson, reseacher from the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Medicine and Public Health, presented attendees with an overview of the popular social media technologies, trends in how young people are using them, and how they can influence health risk behaviours like alcohol misuse and abuse. He also provided examples and insights into how youth service workers can use the technologies as part of their programming for young people.

"We hope to provide participants with the necessary strategies needed to start brainstorming social media applications that can improve their own environments," says Mike.

Afternoon workshops presented by TBDHU staff focused on developing youth resiliency, providing insight into the teenage brain and authenticating online sexual health resources. A tour of the Health Unit’s sexual health clinic was also offered to participants.

"The conference allows us the opportunity to network with a wide range of youth service providers with the hope of building strong connections for the health of our community," says Maureen Twigg, manager of the Health Unit’s Sexual Health program.

The Sexual Health program team is pleased with the success of the event and the overwhelming response from the community. The TBDHU hopes to make the sexual health conference an annual event.

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