New Research: Digital Mental Health for Young People
Are universal digital mental health interventions effective for promoting mental health outcomes among children and adolescents?
Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, July 2025
A recent large-scale meta-analysis examining the effectiveness of universal digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) for children and adolescents referenced research by Dr. Pamela Cantor and colleagues on brain plasticity and the role of context in development.
Specifically, the study’s authors referenced the 2018 publication “Malleability, plasticity, and individuality: How children learn and develop in context,” co-authored by Dr. Cantor with David Osher, Juliettte Berg, Todd Rose, and Lily Steyer.
According to the abstract, the new study found that digital tools can positively impact anxiety, depression, and social-emotional skills, especially when designed for younger children, delivered over time, and made engaging. They can help reduce anxiety, depression, and distress in children.
