Redefining Online Spaces: WHO Advocates for Healthier Mental Health Content for Adolescents

On October 4, 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) and BMJ hosted a groundbreaking virtual roundtable, bringing together 22 global health experts from diverse backgrounds in digital media, child and adolescent mental health, and suicide prevention.

A rapid review conducted prior to the meeting explored existing literature and young people’s perspectives on beneficial online content. Although no formal guidelines were established, the meeting resulted in 10 actionable guiding principles aimed at promoting young people’s wellbeing and mental health in the digital realm.

Access the report here https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/report-of-a-virtual-roundtable-meeting-on-online-mental-health-content-for-young-people-and-guidance-on-communication–4-october-2023

From the rapid review, 10 guiding principles for developmentally appropriate online mental health content were identified. These were ranked by experts in the pre-meeting survey, and key considerations for the implementation of guiding principles were discussed during the roundtable.