Schools, Social Services, and Digital-Based Tools (Setting) in Early Detection and Intervention for Adolescent Mental Health Disorders in the UK.

Mental health interventions encompass a broad-spectrum including promotion, prevention, early intervention, treatment, recovery, and maintenance. However, the specific roles of various social settings and tools—such as schools, social services, and digital platforms—remain inadequately understood or integrated. This systematic review aimed to establish evidence-based insights into the roles of these settings and tools in the early detection and intervention of adolescent mental health disorders in the United Kingdom (UK). A comprehensive search of six electronic databases was conducted between the 8th and 19th of April 2025, supported by policy documents and supplemented by reference list screening of included and review articles. The search strategy was guided by the PIOS framework. Out of 9,325 citations screened, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies, published between 2016 and 2023, focused on adolescents aged 8 to 25 years and addressed various disorders, including social anxiety disorder. There is need for integration and multidisciplinary collaboration to increase the extent and effectiveness of mental health interventions. Albeit digital tools or online delivery approach offers the opportunity to overcome many of the limitations associated with school-based tools. However, consistent data collection across the social service, health and education settings, an all-encompassing information can be generated to support the understanding of individuals’ exposure to risk factors for mental health problems. Keywords: Mental Health, Early Detection, Intervention, Schools, Social Services, Digital Technologies