New Lancet Public Health article on addressing digital determinants of children’s health

In this Lancet Public Health Viewpoint, Louise Holly, DTH-Lab’s Research and Policy Coordinator, Ilona Kickbusch, DTH-Lab’s Director, and Sandro Demaio, CEO of VicHealth, argue that digital technologies should be recognized as determinants of health and call for public health strategies to protect young people from digital harms.

As children’s use of digital media and devices increases, so do concerns about negative impacts on their health and well-being. In this Viewpoint, the authors argue that children’s use of digital technologies and engagement in digital environments should be recognized as important determinants of their health and that a public health approach is required to protect children from digital harms. 

Drawing on lessons from well-established approaches to other public health challenges, the authors summarize three groups of public health interventions that can help delay media use among very young children, reduce digital media use among children of all ages, and mitigate any harmful consequences of children’s digital media use. To build healthy digital environments for children now and for future generations, they recommend a precautionary approach to governance that prioritizes children’s health and well-being, acknowledges their desire to enjoy the benefits of the digital world, and allows children to play a role in shaping their digital futures.

Read full article on Public health interventions to address digital determinants of children’s health and wellbeing here