The National Mental Health Commission undertook work to explore the decline in young people’s mental health and wellbeing, finding that a range of societal and cultural shifts are likely each independently and in combination contributing to increased mental ill-health and distress. Digital technologies are becoming increasingly integrated with our daily lives, making it necessary for young people to use them to learn, work, socialise and play. The effects of digital technologies on mental health are not yet well understood, and evidence in this area is emerging.

Key findings:

• Given the way digital technologies are embedded across all aspects of life, consultation participants, such as educators and Expert Advisory Group members, were very clear that any reforms must involve meaningful collaboration with a broad range of stakeholders, both nationally and internationally.
• Participants emphasised the need for further research to enable a more comprehensive understanding of how digital technologies are impacting young people and their families. There was a call for longer-term monitoring to strengthen the ability to track trends or emerging issues.
• Participant feedback emphasised the importance of co-designing solutions with a broad and representative sample of young people.
• Promoting the work of the eSafety Commissioner and continuing to support a safety by design approach to digital technologies which is crucial to improving the relationship between digital technologies and young people’s mental health is critical.
• Shifting societal norms and attitudes to enable balancing the benefits digital technologies can offer learning, working and socialising, with the right to disconnect, is necessary.