At the Atlantic Futures-hosted all-island policy dialogue were: (back) Professor Gary Donohoe (School of Psychology, University of Galway); Dr Carmen Kealy (Health Promotion Research Centre, University of Galway); Professor Maurice Mulvenna (School of Computer Science, Ulster University). Front: Jamie McNulty (School of Psychology, Ulster University); Dr Adele McLoughlin (School of Psychology, Ulster University); Professor Siobhan O’Neill (Northern Ireland Mental Health Champion, School of Psychology, Ulster University) and Alba Madrid Cagigal (School of Psychology, University of Galway).Photo: Collette Cassidy, Ulster University.

Calls for more youth-centred digital mental health supports

Published: Sat 11 Jul 2026, 1:00 PM

NEW RESEARCH from the University of Galway has examined how digital mental health supports can better meet the needs of young people in Ireland.

Developed in collaboration with Ulster University, the cross-border initiative sought to address the rising mental health challenges and limited access to services across the island.

The findings highlighted that young people, especially marginalised youth, are more likely to use digital mental health tools that are recommended by trusted organisations, peers or adults; are easy to navigate; and reflect their identities, communities and lived experiences.

The researchers also found that young people use digital tools mainly for light touch emotional regulation, not therapy, and want grounding, distraction, positivity, and short check-in's - not long programmes or clinical content.

Trustworthy

“Young people are navigating increasing pressures, and digital supports can genuinely help - but only when they are trustworthy, culturally relevant, and easy to use,” commented Dr Carmen Kealy of the Health Promotion Research Centre in the University of Galway, who acted as the project lead.

“Our research shows that young people value clarity, representation, and tools that fit naturally into their daily lives. A coordinated, youth centred approach across the island is essential to building a digital mental health ecosystem that feels credible, accessible, and supportive for all young people.”

The research also revealed that young people are confident navigating digital spaces, but gaps in digital mental health literacy persist largely because the wider digital landscape is fragmented and lacks clear governance.

This makes it difficult to assess the credibility, privacy practices and safety of online platforms, with families further constrained by language, literacy and digital exclusion.

A key recommendation of the findings is sustained youth participation, highlighting young people stay engaged when treated as equal partners and when they see impact.