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Consultation summary: Digital technologies and youth mental health

Overview

Australia's National Mental Health Commission conducted a 2023 consultation on digital technologies and youth mental health. While no direct causal evidence exists, digital tech may amplify factors contributing to rising psychological distress among young people aged 15-24. The report emphasizes balanced approaches that preserve benefits while addressing potential harms.

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Key insights

Key Insights:

  1. No direct causation proven - Digital technology doesn't directly cause mental health issues in youth

  2. Amplification effect - Technology may amplify existing factors that contribute to psychological distress

  3. Connection benefits - Digital tech facilitates positive social connection, especially for marginalized communities

  4. Education emphasis - Need for evidence-based digital literacy programs co-designed with young people

  5. Safety by Design - Technology companies should prioritize user safety from product development start

  6. Balanced engagement - Disconnecting is difficult as digital tech is essential for education/work

  7. Research gaps - More longitudinal studies needed to understand technology's mental health impacts

  8. Collaborative solutions - Meaningful stakeholder collaboration required including youth, families, educators, tech companies

Did this resource draw on transformative evidence?

<p>This document was <strong>heavily based on experiential expertise</strong>. The consultation specifically included a Youth Advisory Group of 8 young people aged 16-24 with lived experience, plus 226 public survey responses from young people, parents, and educators sharing their real-world experiences. However, it also incorporated academic research expertise from university professors and mental health professionals, making it a blend of experiential and academic knowledge.</p>
<p>This document incorporated <strong>significant practice wisdom</strong>. It gathered insights from youth mental health professionals, educators, service providers, and parents/carers who shared their real-world experiences working with young people. The consultation captured practical knowledge from those directly supporting youth mental health, including what interventions have worked and what challenges they&#39;ve observed in practice with digital technology impacts.</p>
<p>This document had <strong>limited research and evaluation insights</strong>. While it referenced existing studies showing increased psychological distress in young people, the Commission acknowledged that research in this area is "rapidly emerging" with "limited large-scale, longitudinal and causal studies." The document primarily relied on consultation responses rather than rigorous research, and identified the need for more comprehensive evidence-based understanding as a key priority.</p>

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Evidence Summary