There's an App for it - reducing STDs among teens

According to the CDC, one sexually active teenager in four already has a sexually-transmitted disease. They are growing at an epidemic rate – 10 million youths contracted an STD last year alone. In the United States, young people (15-24) make up just over one-fourth of the sexually active population, but account for half of the 10 million cases of sexually-transmitted disease (STDs) each year, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). 46% of high school students have had sexual intercourse and are at risk for HIV and STDs. While there is a national effort to educate youth about HIV before they begin engaging in sexual activities, about one in three high school students did not use a condom during their last sexual intercourse. Many people blame mobile technology for promoting sexual activity. There are some creative new efforts to use mobile technology to raise awareness. In the last few weeks, the Bloomberg Administration in New York City launched a controversial mobile app intended to reduce teen pregnancy called “Teens in NYC Protection+” and a judge ordered the morning after pill, Plan B, be available for females of all ages. Both are aimed at reducing pregnancy for teens and reduce STDs. Qpid.me (www.QpidMe.com) has a new mobile technology that is doing its part to reduce the spread of STDs. “Technology is repeatedly blamed for young people having sex. We are turning that around and using technology to empower youth to make better sexual health decisions both on and offline,” said Ramin Bastani, founder and CEO of Qpid.me - a free, simple way to access and share verified STD results in a completely private, secure and unique way.

STDs