Digital literacy as a predictor of mental health understanding among adolescent: Evidence from Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Adolescents are increasingly exposed to digital environments that shape their mental health awareness through access to and processing of online information. However, evidence on this relationship in Indonesia remains limited. This study aimed to examine whether digital literacy predicts adolescents' understanding of mental health issues in the context of Yogyakarta. This cross-sectional study involved 350 high school students in Yogyakarta,chosen by a multistage random samplinh technique. Data were obtained through two standardized instruments the Digital Literacy Scale for Adolescents (DLSA) and the Mental Health Awareness Scale (MHAS). The analytical procedure comprised descriptive analyses followed by correlation testing and multivariate regression techniques. Digital literacy showed a significant positive correlation with mental health awareness (r = 0.52, p < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed that digital literacy was the strongest predictor (β = 0.45, p < 0.001), accounting for 26% of the variance (R2 = 0.26) in mental health awareness. Internet use exceeding six hours daily was negatively associated (β = -0.11, p = 0.041). Adolescents understanding of mental health issues is strategically enhanced by digital literacy. Including digital literacy in public health initiatives and school curricula could improve resilience and long-term psychological health.