Digital Behavioral Addictions in Adolescents and Psychotherapeutic Interventions: A Systematic Review

Abstract A significant research gap exists regarding the comparative effectiveness of psychotherapeutic models across diverse digital addiction types in youth. This systematic review synthesizes 21 studies (2018–2025) examining interventions for internet gaming, social media, and smartphone addictions among adolescents aged 12–19. Participants included mixed-gender samples primarily drawn from school-based and clinical settings across Asia, Europe, and Turkey. Following PRISMA guidelines and using the Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal tools, the review evaluated cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, and peer-led models. Findings indicate that cognitive behavioral therapy is the most frequently studied approach, with evidence of effectiveness across addiction types, although substantial heterogeneity exists in intervention formats and outcome measures. Mindfulness-based approaches show particular promise for social media addiction, while structured behavioral components appear central to interventions targeting internet gaming disorder. However, the evidence base is limited by short follow-up periods and methodological variability. While individual studies generally demonstrated moderate to high methodological quality, the overall strength of evidence is moderated by small sample sizes and heterogeneity. This review underscores the need for high-quality longitudinal research to clarify the long-term effectiveness of psychotherapeutic mechanisms for adolescent digital addiction.