How to help your teen find accurate sexual health information online

Many of us are concerned about what teens are getting from social media, especially when it comes to sexual health. One of the biggest worries is the rampant disinformation and inaccurate content that floods most social feeds. Even for adults it's tough to know what's true and what isn't. Teens are particularly vulnerable, because these platforms may be their only source of information. And the wrong sexual health guidance can lead to harmful decisions.  

Figuring out fact from fiction is overwhelming. And it’s hard to know where to even begin? Here are four tips for talking with your teen about how to make sure they're getting accurate information online:

1. Try to encourage your teen to think critically. When something pops up on your feed, question it. Remember: Social media algorithms are trained to serve us content  designed to keep us on the platform for as long as possible; that’s how they make money from advertisers. So our feeds will give us anything to keep us going down that rabbit hole, regardless of how accurate it is. 
2. Teach them about the “yelp effect.” It’s common to come across people sharing their personal experiences online. And while this is a valid way to help build community, keep in mind that one experience doesn’t speak for all people. Think about it: if you have a good experience at a restaurant, you’re likely to just enjoy it and move on with your life. But if you have a bad one, you’re far more likely to tell everyone you know to avoid that place. That’s called the “yelp effect.” So just because you’re seeing negative stories about a birth control method, for example, that doesn’t mean that’s the experience of most people.
3. Help them look reliable sources: Be wary of top Google search results that are labeled “sponsored,” because those links come from places that paid Google to be at the top. Reliable search results often come from reputable nonprofit organizations like Planned Parenthood, Bedsider, Guttmacher (have a “.org” at the end), government websites (have a “.gov” at the end), or universities/academic medical institutions (have a “.edu” at the end). In general, those sites are more likely to give you unbiased, research-based information. Companies usually have a “.com” at the end, and while they sometimes give accurate information, they may also be trying to sell you something and therefore have biased opinions
4. Make sure they know they can come to you: Remind them regularly that if they’re ever not sure if something they’re seeing or reading is true, they can always come to you and ask. Even if you don’t know the answer, you can look things up together from reliable sources, or check with your/their doctor or nurse to get to the truth.

And of course, anytime you or your teen have questions about sexual and reproductive health, you can start right here on our website. Our information is based on the most up to date research and is reviewed by a team of medical and public health experts, so you can always count on Planned Parenthood to help you and your family make the best decisions for you.