Teenwire

Teenwire

teenwire.com

Background: Teenwire is sponsored by Planned Parenthood, the nationwide organization that has been advising adults and teenagers on reproductive issues for nearly a century. Aimed mostly at high-school students, the site provides discussions of body image, abstinence, birth control and many other aspects of sexuality.

What works: Teenwire does not flinch, no matter the question or topic. On a page titled “Yikes!” it answers inquiries such as, “I’m pregnant, now what?” and “Do I have a sexually transmitted infection?” The site also discusses homosexuality, as well as abortion and parental notification laws by state. There are chat rooms; there are surveys asking about sexual encounters. Teenagers can learn a whole lot here, and do so without having to ask adults embarrassing questions. In all, it’s the kind of site many reviews advise parents to screen first.

*

Benedict Carey