Engagement of vulnerable youths using internet platforms.

AIM: The aim of this study was to explore the online distress and help-seeking behavior of youths in Hong Kong.

METHODS: A cross-sectional telephone-based survey was conducted among 1,010 young people in Hong Kong. Logistic regression analysis was then performed to identify the factors associated with those who reported expressing emotional distress online and the differences in help-seeking behavior among four groups of youths: (1) the non-distressed (reference) group; (2) "Did not seek help" group; (3) "Seek informal help" group; and (4) "Seek formal help" group.

RESULTS: The seeking of help and expression of distress online were found to be associated with a higher lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation. The "Seek formal help" and "Did not seek help" groups had a similar risk profile, including a higher prevalence of suicidal ideation, non-suicidal self-injury, unsafe sex, and being bullied. The "Seek informal help" group was more likely to express distress online, which indicates that this population of youths may be accessible to professional identification. Approximately 20% of the distressed youths surveyed had not sought help despite expressing their distress online.

IMPLICATION: The study's results indicate that helping professionals have opportunities to develop strategic engagement methods that make use of social media to help distressed youths.