INTERNET AND THE MEDIA FOR THE PREVENTION OF SUICIDE AMONG EUROPEAN YOUNGS

Introduction: The researches show a rapid growth of mental disorders among adolescents and young adults that often co-occurs with risk behaviours, such as suicide, which is one of the leading cause of death among young ages 15-34. Therefore it’s necessary to use some tools that can promote mental health getting to young lives such as Internet and media Objectives: SUPREME (Suicide Prevention by Internet and Media Based Mental Health Promotion) is an European project for the prevention of risk behaviours and mental health promotion through the use of mass media and Internet, financed by DG SANCO EU Public Health and developed by a consortium of 7 European countries. Aims: The main expected outcome of the project is to improve mental health among European adolescents and young adults. Methods: The intervention will comprise of a highly interactive website targeted at adolescents and young adults in the age group 14-24 years, and a set of published guidelines, aimed at Media that targets young audiences, such as newspapers and magazines. In each participating country, a sample of 300 pupils in the age 14 - 24 years will be selected and randomized in one of the three different intervention arms. A baseline questionnaire will be administered to the pupils for require the data on lifestyles, values and attitudes, psychological well-being, familiar relationship and friendship. Conclusions:. Through the obtained data will be possible identify the best practices to promote mental health through the Internet and the media