Applying the commercial determinants of health framework to understand how digital platforms influence child and youth wellbeing

Abstract

The influence of social media on youth mental health has been under debate in scientific communities over the last several years. In this perspective paper, we suggest that there is a need to shift focus away from finding ways to ascertain causal connections at the global scale toward developing solutions that address existing demonstrated harms. Specifically, we suggest that commercial determinants of health (CDoH) frameworks offer important guidance for addressing harms by informing upstream solutions that target critical business practices that create negative health impacts. Based on this framing, we recommend the adoption of a precautionary approach and outline a range of critical solutions that place responsibility for youth online safety on digital platforms through standard-driven and externally accountable systems of protection. We advocate that these strategies must involve multi-sectoral collaborations that are informed by the lived experiences of children, youth, and families.