Online games may be an effective intervention to help adolescents reduce substance abuse
Online games may be an effective intervention to help adolescents reduce substance abuse
Online games may be an effective intervention to help adolescents reduce substance abuse
Brian Consiglio
March, 19, 2025
Summary
Adolescents in rural areas often lack access to effective, in-person substance abuse interventions. Mansoo Yu, a University of Missouri professor, reviewed 26 studies on digital interventions—like mobile apps, online games, and virtual reality—to identify what works best. He found that the most effective tools are personalized, include social features, and promote behavior change. These games can offer healthier alternatives to unhealthy habits, support mental health, and increase accessibility. Yu emphasizes meeting adolescents where they are—online—and using digital platforms to foster engagement and positive development. His findings offer guidance for designing effective, customized digital interventions for substance abuse prevention.
Reference
Consiglio, B. (2025, March 19). Online games may be an effective intervention to help adolescents reduce substance abuse. Medical Xpress. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-03-online-games-effective-intervention-adolescents.html