A systematic literature review of digital mental health interventions in providing support for children and their families.

Background: Children's mental health issues are widespread in the United Kingdom, yet access to traditional services remains limited. Digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) offer a scalable alternative by reducing barriers such as cost, stigma, and location. However, most DMHIs target either children or parents individually, overlooking the potential of combined approaches. Objective: This review assessed the effectiveness of DMHIs that include both parent- and child-delivered components for children aged 12 and under. The review also examined user experiences and compared DMHIs with traditional mental health support services. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, searching six electronic databases. Studies were included if they evaluated DMHIs involving both children and parents/guardians, focused on mental health outcomes, and were peer-reviewed. Data extraction and risk-of-bias assessments were performed independently by reviewers. Results: Of 3703 screened studies, three randomised controlled trials ( Conclusions: DMHIs that incorporate both parent and child components are comparatively rare but show promise as a valid means of enhancing child and parent well-being. However, further research is needed to refine these interventions, address barriers to engagement, and optimise their broader application, particularly in community settings, to help reduce the pressure on clinical services.