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Release of Digital Technology Experiences of Children and Young People report
A landmark Australian Study has found the relationship between digital technology and the mental health of children and young people aged 5 to 25 years is more complex than often portrayed. The report provides important evidence to inform policy, practice and public discussion about online safety.
Date published:
The National Mental Health Commission (the Commission) has today released the Digital Technology Experiences of Children and Young People report. The landmark Australian study looks at how children and young people use digital technology, and what this may mean for their mental health and wellbeing.
The report examines Australian evidence on social media, handheld and portable devices, streaming platforms, gaming, messaging apps, artificial intelligence, and online forums. It was led by researchers from La Trobe University, Deakin University and the University of Sydney.
The report comes at a time of significant national focus on the role of digital technologies in the lives of children and young people.
The report provides important evidence to support governments, families, educators, technology companies and young people to better understand the benefits and the risks of digital technology.
The findings challenge simplistic assumptions about technology and mental health.
The Australian research found more evidence that mental health symptoms can lead to later technology use, particularly social media use, rather than technology use leading to later change in mental health symptoms.
The findings show that digital technology is a regular part of daily life for most children and young people. But the way they use it can differ significantly depending on their age, the platforms they use, the content they see, and how they engage online.
National Mental Health Commission CEO David McGrath said the findings highlight the importance of moving beyond simple debates about screen time and that we need to focus on the experiences children and young people are having online.
"This research helps us understand how digital technology affects children and young people's lives and wellbeing. It also shows where work to improve online safety and support mental health can have the most impact," Mr McGrath said.
"As governments and industry continue to improve online protections, add safety features and consider the impacts of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, decisions must be based on strong evidence and the real experiences of children and young people."
Many children and young people reported positive experiences with digital technologies. They use them to connect with others, find information, learn new things, access support and take part in their communities.
Online spaces can foster connection, community, acceptance and access to support. This can be especially important when offline spaces do not feel safe or inclusive. The report found this was particularly important for neurodivergent and LGBTQA+ children and young people.
While many digital experiences were positive, some children and young people reported challenges. These included seeing harmful content, finding it hard to stop using technology, and having online experiences that negatively affected their wellbeing.
"Negative online experiences can build up over time and may increase the risk of mental health problems later on," Mr McGrath said.
"The relationship between digital technology use and mental health is complex and cannot be explained by a single factor."
A child or young person’s age, the design of a platform, the content they see, their social situation and any existing vulnerabilities can all affect their online experiences and the impacts it may have.
"The findings reinforce the importance of creating safe, inclusive and child-centred digital spaces. Technology should be designed with the wellbeing of children and young people in mind," Mr McGrath said.
"A one-size-fits-all approach will not work. Greater insight comes from understanding what children and young people are doing online, which platforms they are using, what content they see, and how digital spaces shape their experiences."
The report makes an important contribution to the national and international evidence base. It gives practical insights to guide future policy, regulation, service delivery and digital product design.
The Commission acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters on which we live, work and learn.
Diversity
The Commission is committed to embracing diversity and eliminating all forms of discrimination in the provision of health services. The Commission welcomes all people irrespective of ethnicity, lifestyle choice, faith, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Lived Experience
We acknowledge the individual and collective contributions of those with a lived and living experience of mental ill-health and suicide, and those who love, have loved and care for them. Each person’s journey is unique and a valued contribution to Australia’s commitment to mental health suicide prevention systems reform.
