Adolescents, Technology, and Reducing the Risk for HIV, STDs and Pregnancy (3 CE)

Course Level: Beginner

Course By: Alden Hori, PhD

Dr. Hori earned a PhD in psychology from the University of California at Riverside. He was an Associate-In Professor and Research Assistant at the University of California at Riverside, where he supervised the completion of over 50 research projects in psychology. He is credited with three publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Content By: This course has been developed by Kachur, R., Mesnick, J., Liddon, N., Kapsimalis, C., Habel, M., David-Ferdon, C., Brown, K., Gloppen, K., Tevendale, H., Gelaude, D.J., Romero, L., Seitz, H., Heldman, A. B., Schindelar, J. (2013). Adolescents, Technology and Reducing Risk for HIV, STDs, and Pregnancy. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control Prevention.

Bio: Jennifer Kolb, LCSW; Social Work Consultant, reviewed and determined the course meets requirements for continuing education in the field of social work. This course is appropriate for masters and clinical level social workers. Jennifer graduated with a Master’s degree in Social Work with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Louisville, Kentucky. She specializes in school-based psychotherapy with children and adolescents, as well as licensing exam coaching and preparation.

Course Delivery: Online, Self-Paced

Course Description:
This course is intended for practitioners who work with adolescents and provides an overview about the ways in which digital technology can be used to improve the sexual health of adolescents. First, a brief summary of adolescent characteristics, including their demography, development, and sexual behavior is presented. Then a basic overview of the new digital technologies and media that youth are using such as social networking sites (SNS), video sharing, blogs, instant messaging, mobile technology, and virtual worlds is discussed. Technology’s potential for use in sexual health promotion, as well as the risks associated with misuse of digital technology, is examined. Finally, examples of innovative adolescent sexual health interventions that have used digital technology to improve their reach and effectiveness are presented.

Learning Objectives:

1. Cite key research findings on demographics associated with adolescent behavior
2. Summarize the various forms of technology accessed by adolescents and their associated risks
3. Provide examples of the use of technology to improve the sexual health of adolescents

Course Outline:

1. Adolescent Development

• • Cognitive Development
  • Personality Development
  • Behavioral Development
  • Social and Environmental Factors

2. Adolescent Reproductive and Sexual Health

• • Sexual Behavior
  • Adolescent Pregnancy and Births
  • HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases

3. How Technology is Used by Adolescents

• • Internet
  • Cell Phones
  • Video Games
  • Risks and Dangers associated with internet and cell phones

4. Improving Adolescent Sexual Health through Technology

• • Review of example campaigns: Multimedia, online intervention, blogs, social networking sites, computerized intervention
  • Mobile efforts
  • Games targeting sexual health and websites addressing technological risks 

5. Conclusion

Course Format:

Course materials can be downloaded or read online. To receive a certificate of completion, you must complete an online multiple-choice post-test with a score of 75% or better and complete an online course evaluation. 

Approvals: