teenGetgoing
Drug and alcohol help online for teens.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12, Advanced, Professional
http://www.teengetgoing.com/index.asp
CONTENT: teenGetgoing is a free web-based group treatment program for teens with substance abuse problems. "teenGetgoing overcomes the barriers of distance, convenience and privacy by making treatment groups available wherever anyone can get online."
AESTHETICS: This "Flashy" very hip site is colorful and sure to appeal to teens. At the present time the only supported browser is Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher.
ORGANIZATION: The site has a top navigation bar and each section has a sub-menu bar. There is a lot to explore here but it is organized in a user-friendly format.
REVIEW: teenGetgoing is a new approach for reaching teens with substance abuse problems. It can be accessed from any computer; therefore it is widely available to teens that may not have the opportunity or other resources to seek treatment. Users are asked to register, but the registration is anonymous with no personal or confidential information required. Teens can write their own story and read responses from others. Free evaluations are available as well as information about drugs and alcohol, what chemical dependency is, the risk associated with addiction, types of drugs and much more. Students can join an online group (with parental consent) of students with similar problems and work with a counselor. "In the group, there are discussions, informative slides, opinion polls, and videos as well as personal time with a counselor." Included are games, a contest that is "coming soon," and special sections for parents and professionals.
