Internet-delivered parent-led intervention for anxiety in children and adolescents: a review of the literature

Background Internet-delivered parent-led interventions can be useful for treating anxiety in children and adolescents, and they also help increase access to services while reducing time and cost. Aims This review aimed to investigate the effects of internet-delivered parent-led interventions on reducing anxiety in children and adolescents. Method A search of PubMed, PsycArticles, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases identified 13 studies published between 2013 and 2024, which examined internet-delivered, parent-led interventions targeting anxiety in children. Results Internet-delivered parent-led interventions had overall positive effects on reduced anxiety in children and adolescents that could be maintained through follow-up. Interventions directly targeting anxiety symptoms had significant treatment effects. Discussion Internet-delivered parent-led interventions may be effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents, particularly when the intervention directly targets anxiety rather than focusing solely on parenting approaches. Interventions supplemented with therapist support, such as telephone consultations, appear to enhance treatment outcomes and help maintain effects over time. Two-thirds of the included studies had a moderate risk of bias, and one-third had a serious risk of bias. Further studies using rigorous methodologies are needed to strengthen the evidence base.