TABLE 2.

Potential benefits and challenges of digital mental health technologies for adolescents

Potential benefits	Potential challenges	Suggestions to overcome challenges
Increased reach Ease of access via internet and mobile technologies Range of digital formats and design elements Flexibility of use and personal choice, greater convenience Variety of psychological theories utilised e.g. CBT, behavioural activation, IPT Varied usability, e.g. school, clinical and community settings Can be used to address a range of presentations and outcomes, e.g. symptoms of depression and anxiety	Methodological limitations of studies Limited user engagement and adherence Poor treatment completion rates Concerns over data protection and privacy Lack of programme availability, few effective programmes available outside of clinical trials Different legal requirements regarding approvals and data storage across international boundaries Difficulties addressing the needs of diverse user groups (e.g. working as well for specific cultures and other underserved subgroups) Meeting high expectations of young people related to modern technologies, e.g. that serious games are sufficiently contemporary Difficulties adequately identifying potential harm or adverse effects while using technologies (e.g. recognising mental health difficulties and ensuring suitable follow-up is provided) Negative experiences might affect future help-seeking behaviour Resources and training required when user support is needed	Co-design and co-development with potential users Rigorous and appropriate evaluation Awareness and information about programmes, their target audience and their effectiveness Moderation and ongoing oversight of digital interventions and platforms Therapist support, where appropriate, by practitioners with a range of clinical experience Use of security measures, e.g. passwords, usernames and data protection policies Improved efficiency of research cycles for designing and more rapidly evaluating programmes Prescribing digital interventions relative to certain characteristics, e.g. age, gender and clinical presentation Adapt digital interventions for specific settings, subgroups and contexts

CBT, cognitive–behavioural therapy; IPT, interpersonal psychotherapy.