Can interventions be delivered on social media platforms to promote mental health in young people? – A systematic literature review

Background: Social media is central to young people’s daily lives and holds potential as a platform for mental health promotion. While concerns have been raised about its negative effects, emerging evidence suggests that social media can support interventions promoting psychological well-being. Objective: To examine whether interventions delivered via social media platforms can promote positive mental health and well-being in young people under 25 years old. Method: Following the Cochrane Handbook and PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review included studies from seven databases and grey literature sources. Eligible studies evaluated interventions using social media platforms to deliver mental health promotion to individuals under 25. Data extraction and risk of bias were conducted using JBI and GRADE frameworks. Results: Out of 1,429 identified records, six studies met inclusion criteria. Interventions targeted stigma reduction, help-seeking, suicide prevention, and body image concerns. Platforms included Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, and Facebook. Co-designed and culturally tailored interventions demonstrated greater engagement. While short-term improvements in awareness, attitudes, and self-efficacy were reported, methodological limitations, such as small sample sizes, lack of control groups, unvalidated measures, and reliance on self-reports, limited generalisability and internal validity. Conclusion: Social media offers promise for promoting mental health in young people, particularly when interventions are co-designed and culturally adapted. However, evidence remains limited and methodologically weak. Future work should employ robust study designs, include longitudinal follow-ups, and address representational diversity to better understand the effectiveness and scalability of such interventions.