B. Round table: Public health’s role in addressing the digital determinants of youth mental health and well-being

Abstract The potential for digital technologies to strengthen health systems and accelerate universal health coverage is widely recognized by the global health community. However, as digital transformations and artificial intelligence become further embedded in all aspects of our lives, awareness is also growing about the negative health impacts of living in a digital world. Digital determinants of health is growing in prominence as a concept that captures the range of beneficial and harmful ways in which digital transformations influence health-related behaviors, health outcomes and healthcare delivery. The impact of digital technology use on young people's mental health and well-being is a growing concern for many countries. Whilst scientific evidence on the relationships between digital technology use and health outcomes is still emerging, many countries are taking proactive and precautionary action to mitigate digital harms, particularly to protect children and youth from risks associated with social media and unregulated digital platforms. To date, ministries of health and public health agencies have played a limited role in shaping legislation and regulation to reform digital platforms and limited public health guidance is available on healthy technology use. A more proactive and coordinated public health response will be essential to safeguard the mental health and well-being of future generations. In collaboration with the Polish Ministry of Health, under Poland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and Digital Transformations for Health Lab, WHO's Regional Office for Europe has developed a set of priority actions for addressing the digital determinants of youth mental health and well-being. These recommendations are based on an evidence review, policy mapping and expert consultation and provide a roadmap for shaping future policies and programmes that promote digital well-being and mitigate the potential harms associated with digital spaces and technologies. During this interactive roundtable panel discussion, policymakers, public health officials, researchers, youth representatives and civil society will debate the responsibilities of public health agencies in tackling digital determinants of young people's mental health and well-being, and WHO Europe's eight proposed priorities for policy action. Following interventions from panelists, audience members will also be able to share insights on the topic and contribute to discussions on what further research, normative guidance, governance and public health action is needed to prevent the opportunities of digital transformations being outweighed by negative impacts on health and well-being. Key messages • Addressing the digital determinants of youth mental health and well-being requires a multidisciplinary public health approach that places young people at the centre of decision-making and solutions. • The 8 priorities outlined in WHO Europe’s policy brief provide a roadmap for public health action to promote digital well-being and mitigate harms associated with digital spaces and technologies. Speakers/Panellists Ilona Kickbusch Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva, Switzerland Jilian van Turnhout Department of Health, Dublin, Ireland Johanna Säkkinen International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations, Helsinki, Finland