Mental health needs, attitudes, knowledge, and use of digital technologies among young people across Ireland: An overview report

Executive Summary

This report presents the findings of a survey exploring the mental health and wellbeing of young people aged 16–25 across the island of Ireland, with a focus on their experiences with and attitudes toward digital mental health technologies. The survey aimed to identify key challenges affecting young people’s mental health, understand help-seeking behaviours, and assess awareness, usage, and perceptions of digital tools for mental health support. The report is part of work conducted within Atlantic Futures ’ Research Stream 4 ‘Digital Mental Health Supports for Young People’.

Key Findings:

• Wellbeing and Challenges: Young people reported that social media, educational pressures, work, and interpersonal relationships are the primary factors affecting their mental health. Concerns about the future, finances, and employment were also significant sources of stress.

• Help-Seeking Behaviours: Friends and family are the first points of support, followed by health professionals and online resources. Barriers to seeking help include stigma, fear of judgment, prior negative experiences, anxiety, and limited access to services.

• Digital Mental Health Awareness and Use: Most young people are aware of helplines (79%), websites (61%), and mobile apps (58%), while awareness of newer technologies like chatbots is low (18%). Despite awareness, 50% reported not using any digital resources, with mobile apps, websites, and remote counselling being the most commonly used tools.

• Features and Improvements: Useful features include easy access to information, anonymity, 24/7 availability, mood tracking, online support groups, and guided exercises. Suggested improvements focus on better advertising, free or low-cost access, personalized and interactive features, evidence-based guidance, and integration with human support.

• Attitudes and Future Use: The majority find digital tools easy to use and are open to using them in the future (62% agree/strongly agree). Benefits include convenience, flexibility, anonymity, and reduced barriers to accessing support. Some prefer in-person support for a stronger personal connection and perceived effectiveness.

• Integration with Face-to-Face Services: Young people see value in combining digital tools with in-person care, using mood tracking, shared progress reports, and real-time communication to enhance therapy. Most are willing to share data from digital tools with health professionals to improve care.

Conclusion

Young people desire accessible, flexible, and non-judgmental mental health support that combines the strengths of digital technologies with the personal connection of face-to-face services. Key priorities include improving awareness, affordability, personalization, and integration of digital tools with traditional care, while addressing systemic barriers to timely and effective support.