Review: Is a seat at the table enough to safeguard mental health? A global systematic scoping review of the mental health and well‐being impacts of youth participation and engagement

Background Amidst a rapid growth in youth participation initiatives globally, such as government‐initiated advisory councils and youth‐led activism groups, it is important to understand how being involved in youth participation roles can affect youth mental health and well‐being. This global systematic scoping review comprehensively synthesises existing literature on the mental health and well‐being outcomes associated with a broad range of youth participation activities; identifies key components of participation that lead to enhanced or diminished outcomes; and establishes knowledge gaps. Methods Eligibility criteria included peer‐reviewed and grey literature resources (published between 1995–2023) reporting qualitative and/or quantitative data on the mental health and/or well‐being (MHWB) outcomes associated with participation activities among youth 15–24 years. Articles were double screened by two independent reviewers. Participation type and components, study methodology, population characteristics and MHWB outcomes were extracted, and results were summarised narratively according to rigorous scoping review methodologies. Results Seventy‐two resources were included in the review, comprising a total of 69,297 young people. Participating in civic engagement, volunteering, leadership and governance and youth advisory councils generally led to positive MHWB for young people, such as increased empowerment and reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms, whilst activism, political engagement and involvement in research settings conferred mixed outcomes. Key components of participation that impacted MHWB included clear and effective communication; observing programme impact; supportive environments; the structure, type and content of participation; and opportunities for skill building. The review highlights key knowledge gaps with respect to underrepresented subpopulations, geographic regions and study methodologies. Conclusion This systematic scoping review, coproduced with young people with lived experience of varied engagement initiatives, synthesises evidence to inform the future design and implementation of safe, supportive, inclusive and mentally healthy youth participation.