Digital Mental Health Interventions for Emotional Resilience and Mental Well-Being in Children and Young People: A Narrative Review.

Abstract

Children and young people's mental health remains an international public health concern. Digital mental health interventions have the potential to bridge existing gaps in care and increase health literacy in youths, as recommended in global health policies. This review explores the factors affecting the implementation and utilisation of self-directed and practitioner-facilitated (e.g. school nurse, counsellor or teacher-led) digital mental health interventions to promote emotional resilience and mental well-being in youths. Four databases were searched: CINAHL, EMBASE, Medline and PsycINFO. Studies were narratively synthesised and critically appraised using CASP, JBI and MMAT tools. The PRISMA checklist was applied throughout. Twenty studies published from 2016 to 2025 were included. Three key themes emerged which highlighted factors impacting the utilisation and implementation of digital mental health interventions among youths: (1) intervention design, (2) professional facilitation and (3) peer support. Self-directed and practitioner-facilitated digital mental health interventions can support youth mental well-being.