Web magazine aims to give young a voice

Mental health: A new monthly web magazine for 16- to 18-year-olds will be launched this morning with an editorial team of writers on the right side of 20 - the project has the backing of Mental Health Ireland (MHI).

eVox.ie is not specifically about mental health issues, although MHI sponsors the site. The magazine covers areas such as sport, health, education and entertainment. MHI believes that providing teenagers with an outlet for their views is an important part of being mentally healthy.

Brian Howard, chief executive of MHI, said young people had a huge need to have their opinions heard and debated.

"Having the opportunity of communicating your frustrations, fears and achievements is an important part of being mentally healthy," he said. "Unfortunately, many teenagers complain that adults just don't listen and feel marginalised and frustrated as a result."

The first issue of eVox.ie has articles on topics such as teenage drinking, anti-Americanism, school stress and global warming. It includes a review of the latest Frames album and the adventures of Bobert, the eVox.ie cartoon character. Every article contains a link to a forum, where readers can give their comments on the topic.

The eVox.ie editorial team of seven was chosen in a competition carried out through the local and national media. They range in age from 17 to 19 and will specialise in areas such as social and international youth affairs, education and the environment. The editorial team also includes a cartoonist and a photographer.

"We are certainly not going to preach mental health issues at them, but eVox will have links to other websites which will give teenagers access to information on health matters if they wish to visit them," Mr Howard said.

While a lot of factors affect the development of a mental illness, isolation and loneliness can exacerbate the condition. MHI believes that linking young people with a forum such as the new magazine will help them feel part of society and will encourage more involvement with their peers.

Research shows that one in 10 people has experienced some form of mental illness. Depression is the largest single factor, affecting half of those who have a mental illness. According to MHI, about 3 to 5 per cent of the teenage population experience clinical depression every year.

However, the psychiatric services for young people have been described as severely inadequate by medical professionals and advocacy groups. Last year, more than 600 teenagers aged between 16 and 19 years of age were treated in adult psychiatric hospitals because there were no other appropriate facilities.

The magazine's website address is www.eVox.ie