Background: Adolescents are among those at most risk for acquiring sexually transmitted infections. Despite numerous strategies to increase STI knowledge, teens are not being reached as well by traditional preventative efforts. Texting is the preferred method of communication for adolescents who send and receive over 3417 text messages per month. Purpose: To examine the experiences of text messaging among urban adolescents and to explore their views on the potential for text messaging within adolescent sexual health services. Methods: Four focus groups were conducted with 21 adolescents in two community agencies in an urban setting. Results: Four themes emerged from the data: 1) connection to others and to self; 2) exerting control; 3) adolescents are generally receptive to texting in sexual health; 4) need to feel safe. Conclusions: Findings suggest ways in which health care organizations can adopt text messaging services and interventions to better serve adolescents’ needs.

Background: Adolescents are among those at most risk for acquiring sexually transmitted infections. Despite numerous strategies to increase STI knowledge, teens are not being reached as well by traditional preventative efforts. Texting is the preferred method of communication for adolescents who send and receive over 3417 text messages per month. Purpose: To examine the experiences of text messaging among urban adolescents and to explore their views on the potential for text messaging within adolescent sexual health services. Methods: Four focus groups were conducted with 21 adolescents in two community agencies in an urban setting. Results: Four themes emerged from the data: 1) connection to others and to self; 2) exerting control; 3) adolescents are generally receptive to texting in sexual health; 4) need to feel safe. Conclusions: Findings suggest ways in which health care organizations can adopt text messaging services and interventions to better serve adolescents’ needs.