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Understanding how digital technology is impacting children and young people
The National Mental Health Commission is seeking to deepen the conversation around the relationship between digital technologies and child and youth mental health.
Background
Digital technologies are a big part of the world in which people live, learn, play and grow. Our goal is to understand how children and young people use digital technologies and how they impact them.
We want to make sure that strategies aimed at protecting children and young people as they engage with digital technologies do not take away the positive experiences they have, and the benefits digital technologies bring to their mental health and wellbeing.
Consultation report
In 2023, the Commission consulted with a youth advisory group, expert advisory group and the public (via online survey) to begin to explore the impacts of digital technology on young people aged 13-25 years’ mental health.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the public consultation process. Your feedback contributed to the consultation summary document.
The consultation summary identifies the:
Positive ways in which young people are engaging with digital technologies.
Limitations of existing research.
Importance of collaboration with a broad range of stakeholders.
Need to co-design solutions with diverse range of young people.
Need to take a balanced approach to developing solutions.
Next steps
The consultations concluded with a clear need for further research into all areas of digital technologies and for the Commission to conduct broader engagement with young people, parents and other stakeholders as a critical step in continuing to strengthen our understanding of these emerging issues.
The Commission has engaged La Trobe University to undertake the Digital Experiences of Children and Young People research project. Alongside researchers from Deakin University and the University of Sydney, the research project will examine the ways in which children and young people aged 5-25 years are engaging with digital technologies in Australia. The project commenced in March 2025, with the final report due in 2026.
The Commission has undertaken work to better understand the interplay between digital technologies and mental health. In 2023 the Commission held a 3-part consultation consisting of a public consultation via an online survey, input from an Expert Advisory Group, and input from a Youth Advisory Group. This document is a summary of the consultations.
This paper intends to serve as a discussion starter. The National Mental Health Commission wants to deepen the conversation around digital technologies and mental health so that we can better understand what components of technology are helpful or harmful.
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Children & family
Digital & Technology
Acknowledgement of Country
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.
