Mobile Applications to Promote Youth Mental Health: Opportunities and Challenges

Introduction Adolescence is a sensitive period during which many changes occur and may have the potential to affect an individual's cognitive and psychosocial development. It is also during this period that the most abrupt increase in mental health problems is noted. Several initiatives seek to prevent the onset or deterioration of these disorders among young people, and especially those in situations of vulnerability because the emotional or behavioral difficulties they are already displaying or because of the adversities they face. In these efforts, the use of technology is generally perceived as natural, even desirable, among these "digital natives." Objective This critical review examines the strengths and limitations of mobile applications (apps), as documented in the literature, and based in our own experience, to evaluate their potential to support youths' mental health and resilience in times of adversity, and the obstacles most likely to lessen their impacts. Findings Mobile apps, by their format and through the types of usage they provide, allow young people to have access to evidence-based information anchored to their realities. Apps also represent an opportunity to engage certain young people in a process of change or to support them in their request for help. All the more, these new tools are available at all times and are aligned to their needs for autonomy and confidentiality. Many challenges must, however, be overcome to best support young people's mental health through apps, including reliance on scientific validation, the protection of personal data and the capacity to attract and promote engagement in young people. Conclusion The critical analysis of the available literature is intended as a strategic thinking process to further support the development of future apps that will meet the best standards as viewed by a multitude of actors likely to create and use them.