Barrier to successful implementation

Features of Internet-based programs

Advantages

Lack of resources (teachers, time, money)

・ Professionals not required for program delivery

・ Minimal teacher involvement in program delivery

・ No teacher training required

・ Reduction in costs and time

・ Increased feasibility of use

Restricted access (geographic and socioeconomic constraints)

・ Internet is portable

・ Accessible in majority of schools

・ High development costs, but reduction in dissemination costs

・ Less restrictive in geographically isolated and low socioeconomic areas

・ Potential for wide dissemination

Poor implementation fidelity

・ Content is pre-programmed

・ Delivery not dependent on the teacher

・ Complete and consistent delivery of program content is guaranteed

・ Reduced risk for teachers to make adaptations and/or deletions

Self-disclosure issues

・ Increased perceptions of anonymity and privacy

・ Potential to increase self-disclosure about substance use

Lack of student engagement

・ Can incorporate audio-visual elements and provide personalised feedback

・ Interactive and appealing to teenagers

・ Increased student engagement