Technology-Based Interventions for Preventing Youth Violence: A Systematic Review of Programs, Tools, and Evidence

Abstract

Digital interventions have emerged as a promising tool for preventing youth violence, although the evidence base supporting their effectiveness lacks a cohesive framework. The aim of this review was to consolidate existing strategies for preventing youth violence through technology, providing insights into the current landscape, emerging trends, gaps, and the effectiveness of these strategies. Several databases were searched for evaluation studies of digital interventions specifically designed for children and adolescents up to the age of 18, without imposing any restrictions on the publication dates (e.g., APA PsycArticles, APA PsycInfo). The methodological quality of the included studies was appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. The review covered 26 studies, which included a total of 24 distinct digital interventions targeting general aggression (N = 9), bullying and/or cyberbullying (N = 11), and violence in intimate partner relationships (N = 4). These interventions, encompassing interactive games, online activities, and video training, have shown promising potential in preventing youth violence by targeting essential skills such as conflict resolution, emotion regulation, knowledge and awareness, empathy, and self-efficacy. Key areas for the improvement of digital interventions in youth violence prevention involve conducting careful evaluations, refining strategies, and considering cultural factors during intervention design. Also, efforts must be prioritized to ensure their longevity and sustained accessibility.