Social media, mobile and adolescent health

Scope carried out a 2012 research for UNESCO reviewing the utilisation of new communication technologies, like mobile phones and social media, in raising awareness of sexual and reproductive health and HIV amongst young people.

The possibilities of engaging especially young audiences through these new technologies are immense and with ever-evolving services and user uptake they are becoming essential tools for advancing HIV education programmes at a national, regional and global level. Hence, understanding the role new technologies play in health education and in young people’s lives is essential for effective HIV education.

The purpose of this study was to foster that understanding at a global and national level, especially in target countries Jamaica, China and Zimbabwe, and contribute an analysis of the opportunities and recommendations for action for UNESCO.