Young Women in the 'Digital Generation'—New Risks and New Opportunities

Adolescence is a hazardous bridge between childhood and adulthood representing one of the more complex phases of human development. During the “teen years” childhood experiences sediment to become the foundation of the adult identity. In this transitional period brains are particularly sensitive to surrounding influences. Digital natives, especially during adolescence, are in between new risks (hyper-connection and Internet addiction, Web-based unhealthy lifestyle promotion, cyberbullying, grooming) and new opportunities (Web-based professional help). Since the most of mental disorders start by the mid-teens and the mid-20s, and as less than half of adolescents with mental health problems receive an appropriate care, there’s a strong need for developing a proper digital education encompassing families, institutions, media, and therapists.