Digital mental health for marginalised children and young people: Systematic review co-design booklet

Marginalised and disadvantaged children and young people (CYP) are at increased risk of poor mental health. To help address disparities, we reviewed the evidence on digital mental health technologies for “at-risk” CYP. Literature searches were conducted in five academic databases. Data were extracted and synthesised descriptively. A study protocol was co-created with CYP, parents and practitioners. 125 studies describing 116 interventions were identified. These targeted CYP with neurodivergent or physical health conditions, ethnic minority or LGBTQIA communities, care-experienced or justice-involved CYP, and CYP affected by low-income or migration. 34% of the interventions involved CYP in the design, and fewer than half were accessible at the time of review. Technology was primarily used to treat internalising problems, commonly delivered through telehealth/video calls or self-guided resources. Evidence of acceptability and impact was substantial, but there was limited evidence of cost-efficiency or safety. Gaps remain in co-production, equitable access, sustainability, and real-world integration.An accessible text-only version of the report is also available in the attached Word document.