HORIZON-RIA (Research and Innovation Actions)ClosedHORIZON-HLTH-2026-01-DISEASE-02

Innovative interventions to prevent the harmful effects of using digital technologies on the mental health of children and young adults

Horizon Europe

Per project€8M

1 phase

Deadline:2026-04-16

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Strategic Analysis

This call targets the urgent need to address the harmful effects of digital technology use on the mental health of children and young adults. It seeks to generate neurobiological and cognitive/behavioural evidence, develop and test innovative digital interventions, and assess behavioural changes to foster resilience and healthy digital habits. The proposed actions should align with EU health policies and global frameworks like the WHO Global Action Plan for non-communicable diseases, aiming to reduce mental health burdens and promote well-being through evidence-based, scalable interventions.

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Suggested TRL Range

TRL 2 → 6

Based on programme defaults

Scope Activities (3)

SC1

Generate the neuro-biological and cognitive/behavioural evidence base on the correlation and impact of digital technologies on mental health, including brain development (both positive and negative).

SC2

Develop and test innovative digital interventions aiming for example at: counteracting addictive design patterns (e.g. on social media and gaming platforms), gaining insights into risk patterns and enabling early risk detection (e.g. detecting early warning signs of mental disorders or digital addiction), redirecting users towards healthy use and positive engagement with digital technologies, and/or reducing exposure to harmful content.

SC3

Assess the changes in behaviour in children and young adults of the newly developed interventions, aiming at fostering their resilience and promoting responsible use and healthy digital habits.

Expected Outcomes (5)

EO1

Researchers and healthcare professionals have an improved understanding of the neuro-biological and cognitive/behavioural evidence base on the correlation and impact of digital technologies on mental health, including brain development.

EO2

Policymakers and digital technology and content developers are provided with a robust evidence base on the impact (positive or negative) of digital technologies on mental health in children and young adults.

EO3

Policymakers, digital technology developers, and educational institutions amongst others make use (e.g. developing guidelines) of the evidence base and widely implement the newly developed interventions aimed at promoting children and young adults’ mental health while mitigating any negative impacts of digital technology use.

EO4

Children, young adults, families, guardians, educators, and carers have access to the newly developed interventions designed to prevent harm and promote the positive use of digital technologies.

EO5

Children and young adults are empowered and develop resilience, including digital literacy, enabling them to engage in a healthy and positive way with digital technologies.