Virtual workshop on mental health in the digital age: challenges, opportunities and collective responses

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Date 12 November 2026 | 9:30 a.m. (Caracas time)

Modality Virtual

Introduction

Digital transformation is rapidly changing the ways in which people obtain information, communicate, study, work and access services (Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), 2023; United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), 2023). The expansion of digital platforms, mobile applications and, more recently, artificial intelligence-based tools has created new opportunities to facilitate access to information, education, care services and various resources linked to human wellbeing (World Health Organisation (WHO), 2021). At the same time, this process poses complex challenges for mental health and psychosocial wellbeing, the individual and collective manifestation of which depends on variables such as the pattern and intensity of use, the architectural characteristics of the platforms, individual psychosocial conditions and the socio-economic contexts in which they are used (Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), 2024; United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), 2025).

Among the main challenges associated with digital environments are disruptions to sleep hygiene and sleep architecture caused by screen time and nocturnal stimulation (Levenson et al., 2016; WHO, 2024), victimisation through cyberbullying and online violence (UNESCO, 2021), and the psychological pressures associated with social comparison processes on digital platforms (Nesi & Prinstein, 2015; Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH), 2017). At the same time, evidence shows that telehealth platforms, remote community support networks and mobile mental health applications (mHealth) can effectively complement existing care services and reduce geographical and stigma-related barriers to accessing therapeutic and preventive resources (Naslund et al., 2017; UNDP, 2025). These opportunities highlight the need to critically examine conditions of inclusion and equity in access, the quality of online health information, and the comprehensive protection of the rights of children, adolescents and young people in virtual environments (United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), 2021; UNESCO, 2023).

In Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), this digital transition is taking place against a backdrop characterised by high unmet needs in mental health and serious limitations in the provision of public health services. It was estimated that, in 2021, 7.3% of the regional population suffered from an anxiety disorder, a figure significantly higher than the 4.7% recorded globally; furthermore, the prevalence of anxiety and depression was, on average, 1.8 times higher in women than in men (UNDP, 2025). For its part, PAHO (2024) indicates that the treatment gap for mental health conditions exceeds 77.9% in the region, reflecting the fact that nearly four out of every five people suffering from a mental disorder do not receive timely or adequate care. This structural context provides the framework against which the risks and opportunities of digitalisation must be analysed, without attributing to technologies alone the direct or exclusive cause of the region’s mental health problems (PAHO, 2024; UNDP, 2025).

In turn, the economic dimension underscores the urgency of addressing these needs in a comprehensive manner. Globally, depression and anxiety incur costs of approximately US$1 trillion per year, stemming largely from losses in labour productivity, absenteeism and unemployment (Chisholm et al., 2016; WHO, 2025). In the case of South America, macroeconomic estimates indicate that non-communicable diseases and mental health disorders combined will result in cumulative losses and costs exceeding US$7.3 trillion between 2020 and 2050, a figure equivalent to the subregion’s annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and with fiscal implications representing up to 4.5% of GDP in various countries (PAHO, 2025).

Alongside this heavy epidemiological and economic burden, the region faces considerable heterogeneity in its digital regulatory frameworks, characterised by the absence of institutionalised mechanisms for cross-country technical exchange on platform governance and digital security, which results in a fragmented regulatory response (ECLAC, 2023; UNDP, 2025). For those States with limited institutional and budgetary capacity, this fragmentation doubles the costs of implementing public policies and fails to capitalise on the technical lessons learnt by other countries in the region. Responding to this challenge in a coordinated manner requires translating the accumulated scientific evidence into effective public policies, through the creation of forums for dialogue where the academic community, cooperation agencies and decisionmakers can work together towards a shared purpose (ECLAC, 2023; SELA, 2025).

In this context, the Latin American and Caribbean Economic System (SELA), in its capacity as a regional organisation for cooperation and consultation, proposes holding the Workshop on mental health in the age of digitalisation: challenges, opportunities and collective responses. The main aim of this initiative is to facilitate a multi-stakeholder forum for dialogue and exchange among representatives of LAC governments, international organisations, academia, the technology sector, and specialists from the fields of health, education, employment and digital transformation.

The event will seek to build a shared understanding of the main challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age for mental health and psychosocial wellbeing, as well as to highlight institutional experiences and initiatives developed in countries across the region. Furthermore, the meeting will provide an opportunity to identify priority areas for technical cooperation and regional exchange, which will serve as input to guide SELA’s lines of action in this field. This workshop will serve as an initial forum for regional dialogue, which will be formally continued within the framework of SELA’s Work Programme for 2027, through the organisation of a second edition aimed at deepening the analysis of the links between artificial intelligence, the governance of digital platforms, mental health and institutional responses in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Objectives

GENERAL

This event aims to analyse the main challenges and opportunities associated with the relationship among digitalisation, mental health and psychosocial wellbeing in Latin America and the Caribbean, promoting the exchange of knowledge, experiences and perspectives among relevant stakeholders in the region.

SPECIFIC

In particular, the event will aim to:

Identify the main challenges and opportunities associated with digitalisation and its relationship with mental health and psychosocial wellbeing, considering the social and territorial specificities of LAC.
Exchange knowledge and perspectives on the risks and opportunities that digital environments present for psychosocial wellbeing, with a particular focus on priority population groups.
Learn about experiences and initiatives developed in LAC countries aimed at promoting mental health and psychosocial wellbeing in contexts of digital transformation, as well as the key lessons learnt from these experiences.
Explore possible areas for regional cooperation and exchange that will enable a more in-depth analysis of this issue and guide SELA’s future actions.

Structure

The event will consist of three sessions with experts, designed as forums for technical exchange and interdisciplinary dialogue among government officials, representatives of international organisations, specialists, academics and other stakeholders involved in mental health, psychosocial wellbeing and digital transformation.

The sessions will explore the relationship among digitalisation, mental health and psychosocial wellbeing from a regional perspective, considering both the challenges associated with digital environments and the opportunities offered by technology for promoting wellbeing and access to information, resources and services.

The structure of the event will be designed to create an initial forum for regional exchange, enabling participants to identify common elements, learn about initiatives undertaken in LAC countries, and recognise potential areas for cooperation and exchange that could be explored in greater depth in future SELA activities.

Participants

The event will bring together a technical and interdisciplinary audience, comprising mainly representatives from SELA Member States, international and regional organisations, academic and research institutions, civil society organisations and other stakeholders with expertise in mental health, psychosocial wellbeing and digital transformation.

Efforts will be made to secure the participation of officials and specialists working in fields such as health, education, labour, social protection and digital transformation, as well as researchers and professionals conducting studies or initiatives related to mental health and psychosocial wellbeing in digital environments.

In addition, representatives from international and regional organisations with expertise in this field, academic institutions, civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders who can contribute to the exchange of knowledge and experience may also take part.

The composition of the event will seek to promote a diversity of perspectives and experiences, thereby enriching the regional dialogue and helping identify challenges, opportunities and potential areas for cooperation among LAC countries.

Deliverables

The activity will produce three deliverables, namely:

Rapporteur’s report. A document that will summarise the main contributions, reflections and discussions that took place during the event and will serve as the workshop’s institutional record.
Document setting out conclusions and key learnings. A document that will outline the main topics addressed, the challenges and opportunities identified, as well as the lessons learnt from the experiences and perspectives shared during the workshop.
Summary of experiences and initiatives. An executive document setting out the main experiences and initiatives presented during the event, highlighting the issues addressed, the target population, the main actions undertaken, available results or lessons learnt, and elements that may be of interest to other countries in the region.

The outcomes of this activity may serve as input for the continuation of SELA’s work in this area, particularly for the preparation and development of the second edition of the workshop provided for in the Work Programme for 2027.

Logistical information

Date: 12 November 2026

Time: 9:30 – 13:00 (Caracas time)

Languages: Spanish, with simultaneous interpretation into English

Format: Virtual. Open to the public; free registration

Registration link: https://tinyurl.com/Saludmentaleradigitalizacion

Contact

For further information, please contact Edgar Velásquez Montero (evelasquez@sela.org), SELA’s Digitalisation and Infrastructure Analyst.

Agenda

Virtual workshop on mental health in the digital age: challenges, opportunities and collective responses 12 November 2026
9:30 – 9:50	Opening ceremony Mr Gustavo Herrera, Social Development Coordinator at the Latin American and Caribbean Economic System (SELA). A representative of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) or the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Opening keynote speech Digitalisation, mental health and psychosocial wellbeing: trends and challenges
9:50 –10:20	Objective: Based on the available scientific evidence and the current international debate, to analyse the challenges and opportunities presented by digitalisation for mental health and psychosocial wellbeing as a global phenomenon.
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Session 1. Digitalisation, mental health and psychosocial wellbeing: a regional perspective
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10:20 – 11:00	Objective: To address the main trends and available evidence regarding the relationship between digital transformation, mental health and psychosocial wellbeing in Latin America and the Caribbean. Particular attention will be paid to the specific characteristics of the region, as well as to the social and contextual factors that influence this relationship. Guiding questions: What are the main trends observed in LAC in relation to digitalisation and mental health? What challenges and opportunities arise from the growing integration of digital technologies into everyday life present? Which population groups require special attention, and what are the main conditions that need to be considered? Which aspects are currently supported by the strongest evidence, and which require further study?
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11:00 – 11:10	Question and answer session
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Session 2. People and digital environments: challenges and opportunities for wellbeing
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11:10 – 11:50	Objective. To analyse the main challenges faced by people in digital environments and the opportunities offered by technology to promote psychosocial wellbeing. Among other aspects, the analysis will consider digital education and literacy, access to information and resources, the protection of priority population groups, and the conditions of inequality that may influence these experiences. Guiding questions: What are the main challenges faced by people in digital environments from the perspective of mental health and psychosocial wellbeing? What opportunities do digital tools offer for promoting wellbeing, prevention and access to information and services? How can these challenges be addressed, considering the differences in access, digital skills and social conditions across the LAC region? What role can public institutions, academia, international organisations, civil society and other stakeholders play in addressing these challenges and capitalising on the opportunities identified?
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11:50 – 12:00	Question and answer session
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Session 3. Experiences and responses in Latin America and the Caribbean: lessons learnt and opportunities for cooperation
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12:00 – 12:40	Objective. To identify initiatives and experiences in LAC countries aimed at addressing the challenges and capitalising on the opportunities associated with mental health and psychosocial wellbeing in the context of digital transformation. The interventions will seek to present specific examples, highlighting the problem addressed, the target population, the main actions undertaken, the available results or lessons learnt, and the challenges encountered during their implementation. Guiding questions: What initiatives or experiences have been developed in LAC countries to address this issue? What outcomes and lessons can be identified from these experiences? What institutional, social or technological conditions have facilitated their implementation, and what difficulties have been encountered? Which aspects of these experiences could be useful for other countries in the region? In which areas could regional exchange and cooperation be strengthened?
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12:40 – 12:50	Question and answer session
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12:50 – 13:00	Conclusions and closing remarks: key lessons learnt, potential areas for follow-up and regional cooperation, and closing remarks

References

Chisholm, D., Sweeny, K., Sheehan, P., Rasmussen, B., Smit, F., Cuijpers, P., & Saxena, S. (2016). Scaling-up treatment of depression and anxiety: a global return on investment analysis. The Lancet Psychiatry, 3(5), 415-424. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(16)30024-4

Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). (2023). Agenda Digital para América Latina y el Caribe (eLAC2024): Estrategia para una transformación digital con impacto productivo y social. United Nations.

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). (2021). El Estado Mundial de la Infancia 2021: En mi mente: Promover, proteger y cuidar la salud mental de la infancia. UNICEF.

Levenson, J. C., Shensa, A., Sidani, J. E., Colditz, J. B., & Primack, B. A. (2016). The association between social media use and sleep disturbance among young adults. Preventive Medicine, 85, 36-41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2016.01.001

Naslund, J. A., Aschbrenner, K. A., Avey, L. A., Marsch, L. A., & Bartels, S. J. (2017). The future of mHealth for mental health in low-and middle-income countries: social media and mobile technology. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 25(6), 256-266. https://doi.org/10.1097/HRP.0000000000000170

Nesi, J., & Prinstein, M. J. (2015). Using social media for social comparison and feedback-seeking: Gender and popularity moderate associations with depressive symptoms. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 43(8), 1427-1438. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-015-0020-0

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). (2021). Tackling cyberbullying and other forms of online violence involving children and young people (Fact Sheet). UNESCO.

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World Health Organisation (WHO) (2025b). Más de mil millones de personas viven con trastornos de salud mental: urge ampliar los servicios. [Online]. Accessed: 23 September 2026. Geneva: WHO. Available at: https://www.who.int/es/news/item/02-09-2025-over-a-billion-people-living-with-mental-health-conditions-services-require-urgent-scale-up

World Health Organisation (WHO). (2021). Global strategy on digital health 2020-2025. World Health Organisation.

World Health Organisation (WHO). (2024). A focus on adolescent social media use and gaming in Europe, Central Asia and Canada (Health Behaviour in School-aged Children Study). WHO Regional Office for Europe.

World Health Organisation (WHO). (2025). Mental health and economic productivity: Global facts and figures. World Health Organisation.

Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) (2025). Una gran tormenta acecha en el horizonte: las ENT y los problemas de salud mental costarán billones a Sudamérica para 2050. [Online]. Accessed: 23 September 2026. Washington, D. C.: OPS. Available at: https://www.paho.org/es/noticias/15-7-2025-gran-tormenta-acecha-horizonte-ent-problemas-salud-mental-costaran-billones

Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) (s. f.). Salud mental. [Online]. Accessed: 23 September 2026. Washington, D. C.: PAHO. Available at: https://www.paho.org/es/temas/salud-mental

Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO). (2024). La carga de los trastornos mentales en la Región de las Américas y la brecha de atención. Pan American Health Organisation.

Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO). (2025). Enfermedades no transmisibles y trastornos de salud mental en Suramérica: Proyecciones económicas y sanitarias 2020-2050. Pan American Health Organisation.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) (2025). Fuertes por fuera, luchando por dentro: el deterioro de la salud mental en América Latina y el Caribe. [Online]. Accessed: 23 September 2026. New York: UNDP. Available at: https://www.undp.org/es/latin-america/blog/fuertes-por-fuera-luchando-por-dentro-el-deterioro-de-la-salud-mental-en-america-latina-y-el-caribe

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). (2025). Salud mental, bienestar psicosocial y transformación digital en América Latina y el Caribe. UNDP.

Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH). (2017). #StatusOfMind: Social media and young people’s mental health and wellbeing. Royal Society for Public Health.