How young people access health information in Dorset

Healthwatch Dorset worked with youth volunteers to explore how young people access health information and engage with NHS services. The survey of 55 people aged 16-30 found that most young people now obtain health information online rather than from professionals, with 73% using online sources. TikTok was the most commonly used source of health information, followed by AI tools. While some respondents checked information against trusted sources, most did not routinely verify what they read online. 

Young people generally felt most confident accessing health information through GPs and A&E departments, but many were uncertain about when to use services such as Minor Injury Units and Urgent Treatment Centres. Although 82% knew what NHS 111 was for, almost half said they would not feel confident using it. Awareness of NHS health advertising was mixed, with many respondents saying they rarely saw it. 

Mental health was a significant theme. Young people highlighted barriers such as stigma, confidence, difficulties accessing support, concerns about not being taken seriously and dissatisfaction with services such as CAMHS. Many preferred a more personalised approach to care and wanted greater advocacy, safer spaces for support and services that better reflected their individual needs. Among respondents with long-term health conditions, 44% felt their condition was not being well managed by the NHS. 

Healthwatch concluded that the NHS needs to improve how it communicates with young people. Recommendations included increasing NHS-verified content on platforms such as TikTok and AI-powered tools, strengthening health education in schools, helping young people identify reliable health information, improving access to services and developing better care planning for people with long-term conditions.