NHS Teen LifeCheck is a free, confidential online quiz which has been created by the Department of Health to help teenagers make positive changes to their lifestyles.
www.teenlifecheck.co.uk starts with a set of simple multiple choice questions to help young people identify any areas where they could improve their health and wellbeing, and then shows them how they can set themselves small but significant positive goals. It is non-judgmental, totally confidential and no identifying data is kept.
Gillian Merron, Public Health Minister, said:
“Teenage years can be a difficult enough time without having to worry about your health. NHS Teen LifeCheck is a quick and easy way of checking your health which gives simple advice on how to be healthier. We’ve worked with young people to develop an effective and accessible service which is completely confidential.”
NHS Teen LifeCheck was created with the help of experts to support teenagers in being healthier and happier. Information on a range of subjects including physical activity, nutrition, solvents and illegal drugs, sexual health, alcohol and smoking is available. NHS Teen LifeCheck also covers emotional wellbeing – with advice about stress, bullying, relationships and self-esteem.
As well as advice and top tips NHS Teen LifeCheck also gives details on where teenagers can go if they feel they need further support. Some of the advice takes the form of ‘how to’ videos from other teenagers who have completed a NHS LifeCheck themselves.
Created specifically for 12-15 year olds, it has already been tested in some areas.
Jessica Aspey, 13, a year nine pupil at Highfields School in Matlock, Derbyshire said, “I didn’t use to eat a lot of fruit and vegetables because I preferred chocolate and crisps. I went on the NHS Teen LifeCheck website and really liked it. I learned how to be healthy, and stay healthy.”
Thousands of teens from schools in and around Leeds are today being given the opportunity to complete an NHS Teen LifeCheck at the ‘Be Sporty’ event at Leeds Rugby Club, Headingley, aimed at encouraging young people to try new physical activities.
To make sure teenagers know about NHS Teen LifeCheck, there will be adverts on bus shelters and websites as well as posters and postcards in schools and a roadshow in shopping centres this summer. The adverts feature the faces of four teenagers each asking the question ‘Am I Normal?’
NHS Teen LifeCheck can be accessed by teenagers in their own homes and may also be available through PHSE or ICT lessons in schools.
Tagged in Health