Building robust causal evidence on how digital platforms shape young people’s health, wellbeing and equity.

Digital platforms now play a central role in young people’s lives, shaping what they see, how they interact, and the opportunities and risks they encounter. Governments and health systems increasingly recognise digital environments as a major public health concern, yet they lack robust evidence to hold meaningful policy debates, and to yield effective policies.

The Digital Determinants of Health Hub, based at the Faculty of Public Health and Policy at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) aims to provide such evidence, by bringing  together research, policy and practice to understand how digital platforms, algorithmic systems and governance structures influence young people’s health and wellbeing, and how these systems can be shaped to better protect wellbeing and reduce inequalities.

What We Do

Research

We generate rigorous, policy-relevant evidence on how digital environments affect young people’s health, wellbeing and inequalities, using interdisciplinary methods and a strong focus on causal inference.

Policy

We work with policymakers and regulators to ensure evidence informs digital regulation, platform governance and public health strategy, while maintaining scientific independence and transparency.

Practice

We collaborate with educators, third-sector organisations and practitioners to support the responsible translation of evidence into real-world settings where young people live, learn and receive support.

Why Digital Determinants Matter

Young people’s online experiences are shaped not only by individual behaviour, but by platform design, algorithmic systems and digital governance. These layered influences determine what content is amplified, how risks and opportunities are distributed, and who is most exposed or protected.

Digital platforms increasingly function as population-level determinants of health. Algorithmic systems, commercial incentives and governance decisions can amplify harm or support wellbeing, often in ways that intersect with existing social inequalities. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for effective prevention, protection and regulation.

Learn more about our framework

Our Approach

Our work is grounded in:

  • Causal epidemiological methods and population health science

  • Ethical and transparent data science

  • Meaningful youth participation and co-production

  • Policy-relevant and responsibly communicated evidence

    These principles guide how we design studies, interpret findings and engage with policy, practice and the public.

Partners, Collaborators & Funders

The Hub works with a wide network of academic, policy and third-sector partners in the UK and internationally to support methodological innovation, real-world relevance and impact.

UK Office for Health Improvement & Disparities

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UK Department of Health & Social Care

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UK Department for Education

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UK Department for Science, Innovation & Technology

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NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

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NHS England

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National Police Chiefs' Council

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Centre for Protecting Women Online

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ADHD UK

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The Ben Kinsella Trust

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Alliance 4 Children

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Ofcom

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Scottish Violence Reduction Unit

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University of Bath

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University of Leeds

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University of Glasgow

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Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

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United Nations

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UK Faculty of Public Health

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Metropolitan Police

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NIHR Health Determinants Research Collaboration Coventry

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Conventry City Council

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Celtic Football Club Foundation

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Scottish Professional Football League Trust

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Nominet

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Elba Hope Foundation

UK Office for Health Improvement & Disparities I UK Department of Health & Social Care I UK Department for Education I UK Department for Science, Innovation & Technology I NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde I NHS England I National Police Chiefs' Council I Centre for Protecting Women Online I ADHD UK I The Ben Kinsella Trust I Alliance 4 Children I Ofcom I Scottish Violence Reduction Unit I University of Bath I University of Leeds I University of Glasgow I Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health I United Nations I UK Faculty of Public Health I Metropolitan Police I NIHR Health Determinants Research Collaboration Coventry I Conventry City Council I Celtic Football Club Foundation I Scottish Professional Football League Trust I Nominet I Elba Hope Foundation

Get Involved

There are several ways to engage with the Digital Determinants of Health Hub.

Explore our research
Work with us
Join our Youth Advisory Group