If you are a Xennial or older, then you probably remember reading – and maybe even writing into – problem pages. Teen magazines such as Just Seventeen, Mizz and More were hugely popular in the 1990s, thanks to their features that empowered girls to be ambitious, while stealthily educating them about periods and sex, all in a glossy package with make-up tips and posters of cute boys.
But a key draw for girls in the pre-internet era was the problem page, where experts such as Melanie McFadyean and Anita Naik answered queries on everything from friendship politics to exam stress to sexually transmitted infections. The overarching question at the heart of almost all of the letters was: am I normal?
Now, of course, children and teens can go online and find answers quickly – but are they the answers that parents want them to find? Unlikely.
With a recent study showing that teenagers are being shown content around suicide and eating disorders within minutes of joining TikTok, an alternative is desperately needed.
Enter Oxford business school graduates Jo Goodall and Jas Schembri, who have created an app called luna, the aim of which is to be a digital older sister, demystifying embarrassing teen issues. A safe educational space, luna aims to help our daughters navigate and learn about their health and wellbeing.
'Teens and tweens can anonymously ask a panel of experts anything'
‘There are a lot of social media creators out there who have a knack for making their content seem credible, whether it's rooted in fact or not,’ says Jas. ‘As teens use social platforms like TikTok as their primary search engine and news outlet, it's becoming clear that they're misdiagnosing themselves using inaccurate information, and following suggestions that are incredibly dangerous.’
Users of the app can submit questions anonymously, to be answered by a panel of experts including GPs, psychiatrists and therapists. All answers are approved by Clinical Content Advisors, ensuring that all advice is 100% safe to follow, and all content and life hacks are reliable.
Since launching last month, they've had over 3000 sign-ups, and 200 five-star reviews in the App Store.
What do you think? Would you download the luna app for your tween or teen girl’s phone? Let us know @theJuggleUK
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