Preventing digital harms among young people: A thematic analysis of current policy approaches
1
Digital Transformations for Health Lab (DTH-Lab), Geneva, Switzerland
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A2555
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
The rise in digital media use among children is linked to negative health outcomes, prompting the WHO to advocate for a comprehensive public health approach to mitigate these harms.1 While public health agencies have had limited policy involvement, many countries are adopting prevention strategies, often modeled after successful public health interventions.2.3 This study aims to examine prevention strategies prioritized in national and regional policies to address digital harms.
METHODS:
We conducted an iterative search of government websites, search engines and citation trails to identify national and regional policy texts, reports and news articles on preventing digital harms. Using qualitative content analysis, we identified and categorized interventions based on the public health primary/secondary/tertiary prevention framework.4 We also critically reviewed policy framing of young people's digital media use and the assignment of harm prevention responsibilities.
RESULTS:
Policies and reports from 50 countries and regional bodies, primarily from high-income countries, were selected for in-depth analysis. Primary prevention interventions dominate, reflecting consensus on the need for population-level strategies to limit young people’s exposure to risks. Common interventions include higher age restrictions for social media, smartphone bans in schools, digital literacy programmes, and parental management of technology use. Some countries are also pursuing structural redesign of digital products and environments. Secondary and tertiary prevention interventions were less prevalent.
CONCLUSIONS:
Our analysis shows welcome, growing attention to preventing young people’s exposure to digital harms. However, few countries are adopting a comprehensive approach encompassing primary, secondary and tertiary prevention. This indicates a need for greater support for young people who are already exposed to risks and have experienced harms. Consistent with earlier research, other sectors are leading prevention efforts and public health agencies can play a more prominent role.
The rise in digital media use among children is linked to negative health outcomes, prompting the WHO to advocate for a comprehensive public health approach to mitigate these harms.1 While public health agencies have had limited policy involvement, many countries are adopting prevention strategies, often modeled after successful public health interventions.2.3 This study aims to examine prevention strategies prioritized in national and regional policies to address digital harms.
METHODS:
We conducted an iterative search of government websites, search engines and citation trails to identify national and regional policy texts, reports and news articles on preventing digital harms. Using qualitative content analysis, we identified and categorized interventions based on the public health primary/secondary/tertiary prevention framework.4 We also critically reviewed policy framing of young people's digital media use and the assignment of harm prevention responsibilities.
RESULTS:
Policies and reports from 50 countries and regional bodies, primarily from high-income countries, were selected for in-depth analysis. Primary prevention interventions dominate, reflecting consensus on the need for population-level strategies to limit young people’s exposure to risks. Common interventions include higher age restrictions for social media, smartphone bans in schools, digital literacy programmes, and parental management of technology use. Some countries are also pursuing structural redesign of digital products and environments. Secondary and tertiary prevention interventions were less prevalent.
CONCLUSIONS:
Our analysis shows welcome, growing attention to preventing young people’s exposure to digital harms. However, few countries are adopting a comprehensive approach encompassing primary, secondary and tertiary prevention. This indicates a need for greater support for young people who are already exposed to risks and have experienced harms. Consistent with earlier research, other sectors are leading prevention efforts and public health agencies can play a more prominent role.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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