Supporting Youth Mental Health with AI – A Guide for Parents and Caregivers

Artificial intelligence (AI) may offer innovative new ways for parents and caregivers to understand, monitor, and support their children’s mental well-being. There is a growing demand for mental health services in Canada with mental illness is on the rise among young people; however, many are still not getting the help they need. AI tools are being used to address this problem and facilitate earlier intervention, in addition to personalized support. Learn how AI can transform mental health care for children and families – and how you can use these tools to benefit your child’s mental health.

Early Intervention: Addressing Mental Health Issues Before They Escalate

One of the most noteworthy benefits of AI in mental health is its potential to identify mental illness in children earlier. Youth and their caregivers may not always recognize the need for mental health support or feel comfortable asking for it. Without timely treatment, mental health issues can become more complex to manage. It is important to detect signs of depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses as soon as possible since earlier diagnosis has been proven to improve outcomes for children.

To address this issue, researchers at the University of Cambridge are developing an AI system that spots patterns indicating a child is showing signs of mental health challenges. The technology can use information about a child’s environment and personal health profile, for example, to identify potential risk that may otherwise go unnoticed. Tools like this one can help caregivers and clinicians intervene sooner, preventing issues from becoming more severe.

Are you parent, guardian, or caregiver with a child who is facing mental health challenges?

Perhaps you’re feeling overwhelmed, unsure of the next steps to take, or searching for accessible resources. We invite you to browse the Resources for Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers section of our Student Mental Health Toolkit for interactive resources and helpful information at no cost. Visit our Getting Your Child Professional Help page for guidance on what to expect at an appointment with a General Practitioner (GP) or Psychiatrist, steps to take when advocating for your child, questions to prepare beforehand, and more.

Personalized Support Tailored to Your Child’s Needs

No two children are the same, and mental health care should reflect that. AI can provide information and suggestions to meet your child’s specific needs. For example, AI can recommend therapy techniques, track mood fluctuations, or monitor responses to treatment over time. This information can be used by caregivers and mental health professionals to adjust care plans as needed, ensuring that every child receives the personalized, effective support for them.

AI chatbots may also be used to support youth mental health. It is important to note that, if you choose to use AI, it should not be treated as a substitute for human mental health counsellors or other professionals. Rather, it can serve as a supplement to existing resources and care.

If you are concerned about your child’s mental health, you may be wondering how to approach the situation and talk to them about it. Perhaps you want to gain a better understanding of what they’re experiencing, or to simply let them know you care. To help you navigate these conversations, Stigma-Free Mental Health Society has created a library of no-cost resources on Talking to Your Child About Mental Health. Make use of these resources to learn more about how to initiate open, supportive, and productive conversations.

Can Technology Play a Role in Diagnosis?

Diagnosing mental health issues can rely heavily on subjective reporting and observing a child’s behaviour, which can be difficult to measure at times. Researchers are exploring ways to address this barrier through AI using data gathered from different sources, like genetic markers and even patterns of social media use.

Assessing relevant information more accurately can aid in diagnosis and help differentiate between conditions with overlapping symptoms. For parents and caregivers, this could mean faster and more reliable answers when seeking help for their children, allowing families to move forward with treatment plans sooner.

If your child has been diagnosed with a mental illness, we have a collection of resources to support you: Your Child Has Been Diagnosed. This page provides information free of charge on supporting your child through diagnosis, understanding mental illness, and caring for their well-being.

Ethical and Privacy Concerns

While AI has the potential to help caregivers support their children’s mental health, it’s important to approach these tools thoughtfully. Parents may have concerns about privacy and potential bias, or the loss of human connection in mental health care. As a caregiver, you should always research and verify the ethical practices of any AI tool you consider using.

Check whether you are comfortable with, for example, the way your child’s data will be collected – will their information be made anonymous and stored securely? It is helpful to look for tools or apps developed in collaboration with mental health professionals and organizations that prioritize user safety and transparency.

Improving Access to Mental Health Resources

The role of AI in children’s mental health care is still evolving. In the future, AI could be useful in bringing mental health support to children and young people who need it; however, more resources are needed. The Stigma-Free Mental Health Society provides resources for caregivers to navigate their child’s mental health challenges, giving them tools and information on how to seek help. Every resource is conveniently available online at no cost. Explore our Resources for Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers to learn more about how you can support your child’s well-being.

References

Andrew, J., Rudra, M., Eunice, J., & Belfin, R. V. (2023). Artificial intelligence in adolescents mental health disorder diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Frontiers in Public Health,

Machin, J. (2023, December 7). Can AI find the children at risk of mental health conditions? BBC.

Thakkar, A., Gupta, A., & De Sousa, A. (2024). Artificial intelligence in positive mental health: a narrative review. Frontiers in Digital Health, 6. 

Author: Monique Zizzo

 

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit

Recent Posts

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

The Stigma-Free Society is excited to connect with you and share our resources to provide valuable mental health and anti-stigma education.

"*" indicates required fields

Privacy*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Follow Us

By clicking Continue, you agree to Stigma-Free Mental Health’s: Terms of Use Agreement | Cookie and Privacy Policy | Medical Disclaimer