New perspectives on the contribution of digital technology and social media use to improve the mental wellbeing of children and young people: A state of the art review

Abstract

Objective The purpose of this paper is to identify the extent, if any, that digital technology can impact on the mental well being of children and young people, to determine some implications for practice, and to highlight any risks and/or barriers that may impede the use of such technology. Methods This study uses a 'state of the art' literature review methodology to achieve this objective. Structured searches for 1980- 2012 were conducted in three major subscription bibliographical databases, (Web of Knowledge, CINAHL and Proquest Nursing and Allied Health Source) during March 2012 by an Information Specialist working in partnership with the research team to identify English-language articles in press or published in peer-review academic journals. Results A state of the art literature review identified 21 papers from Europe, North America and Australia. All of the included studies are tabulated to some extent and themes and key issues identified and narrated through the lens of the state of the art review. Six themes emerged from the data synthesis. 1) Risks and benefits of digital technology, 2) Health support, information and self-assessment 3) Iatrogenesis of digital technology 4) Health seeking and support, 5) Modes of digital therapeutic support and 6) Robotics, resilience and enabling technologies. Conclusions There appears to be some benefits for some children and young people who use digital technology and social media to enhance their mental wellbeing, however, similar approaches could have a counter-productive effect. Collaboration to develop, design and undertake rigorous research around technological interventions would further enhance the evidence base for these approaches.