Digital Technologies, Mental Health Challenges and Academic Language Development of Indigenous Youth: A Retrospective

Abstract

Indigenous students have experienced negative inter-generational impacts from colonization and socioeconomic stress, leading to mental health challenges and persistent subpar academic performance. Both issues intertwined pose a complex challenge that has been increasingly documented by media, research, and in government reports and has had a significant impact on Indigenous youth's wellbeing and academic achievement. In addition to the educational disparity faced by Indigenous youth, particularly those living in remote Indigenous communities, high rates of suicide, depression, and substance abuse have prevented them from obtaining the language and literacy skills required for graduating high school and pursuing post-secondary education and professional opportunities. Educational interventions would be more effective if these issues were addressed in their design and implementation and grounded in Indigenous cultural and community practices.Research has reported that many Indigenous youth have adopted or are keen to adopt digital technologies, which have the potential to provide e-mental health resources as well as opportunities to improve academic literacy skills. This research synthesis examines the evidence of the efficacy of using digital technologies to support Indigenous youth's mental health and the learning of language and literacy skills. It presents a profile of important studies focusing on Indigenous youth's perspectives on both issues. Based on a culturally responsive pedagogical framework, this article provides insights for teaching practice, and also identifies gaps for future research and instructional innovations that are urgently needed to support Indigenous youth students.