BodiMojo Blog

            Teens have always had a mind – and language – all their own, but with today’s cyber-teens, even more so. They’re plugged in, they’re mobile, and if there’s an aitr (adult in the room), well, ttyl (talk to you later).

            Since BodiMojo is all about teens, we’ve made it our goal to be “for teens, by teens.” That way, instead of trying to capture teen-think, we’ve got teens themselves doing the thinking for us. We already have a great group of teens and 20-somethings on board, contributing their invaluable talents and ideas. From interactive design, content, and research, teens are what BodiMojo are all about:

            Interactive Design:

            Out of 40 applicants, BodiMojo was one of 12 companies accepted for the Boston University Student Design Project, a collaboration between BU and the Mass Technology Leadership Council that allows start-ups to collaborate with talented students on design projects. BodiMojo is working closely with two BU design students, Lindsay Grimes and Natalia Koukinna on several interactive Web tools.

            Teens:

Codman Academy students continue to play a vital role in BodiMojo development, giving their input on everything from logos to Web site terminology. The BodiMojo club at this Dorchester school will likely continue into the third semester, and taping of a video session is planned for this weekend. Also ahead: a liason with Health Careers Academy in Boston, where kids will serve as a focus group to give feedback on the project. Next fall, teens at four local high schools will participate in a study using BodiMojo as part of health classes: Framingham, Hudson, Milton, and Natick high schools. Teens have provided input as well on a list of proposed goals and affirmations, which will be used to motivate kids on achieving their health and wellness objectives.

            Research:

A teen “Texting for Health” survey is on our website and FB fan page. About 125 kids filled out the survey, with responses from 60 percent female, 40 percent male. The survey is still open, if you’re a teen who wants to share your thoughts.

            Content:

Check out the BodiMojo blog, where you’ll find lively writing – such as “One Teen Takes Swing on Steroid Abuse” – and other thoughts on current events from our teen and 20something contributors. Our current list of contributors includes teens from Needham and Milton High School, a recent graduate from Boston University – and others are to come. Teens have also been responding to our call for teen submissions, writing about nutrition, exercise, and body image, as we ready for the official BodiMojo launch in June.

 Jw (just wondering)—if you’re a teen, we’d love to hear from you. Pce (peace)!

– Cindy Atoji is BodiMojo writer and editor and Boston-area mom who specializes in writing about health information technology and business.