Digital Divide Study

Overview 

Access to health information and services through smartphones and computers may seem universal, but not everyone has the means or ability to seek these supports. For youth with mental health concerns, it may be particularly difficult to find and use these digital technologies. 

The Digital Divide Study investigated the barriers and facilitators for youth with mental health issues to access digital technologies that provide support for their mental health concerns. The study consisted of:  

1. A review of the current mental health digital technology landscape and engagement with youth and service providers across British Columbia for their perspectives on improving access and health outcomes related to these technologies,  
2. A qualitative study exploring the barriers and facilitators that youth ages 12-24 face when accessing digital mental health technology in British Columbia, and  
3. A series of dialogues with key groups (such as Foundry leaders, Foundry virtual service providers, families/caregivers and youth) to both validate findings from the first two parts and to discuss application and movement for future research, practice and policy considerations.    

This study was led by Dr. Shelly Ben-David (Associate Professor at University of British Columbia – Okanagan) and Dr. Skye Barbic (Head Scientist at Foundry and Associate Professor at University of British Columbia). 

Funders 

This study was funded by the BC SUPPORT unit. 

Resources 

• CREST.BD blog posts about the Digital Divide Study:  

• • Bridging the Digital Divide Among Youth in BC: Guest post with Dr. Shelly Ben-David   

• • Bridging the Digital Divide of Scoping Reviews in Health: Guest post with Dr. Skye Barbic   

• • Behind the Scenes of a Youth Research Assistant: Guest post with youth research assistant Julia Gray   

• • The Digital Divide Study: My First Experience Working on Qualitative Research: Guest post with Naomi Laurin   

• • Understanding the Digital Divide among Diverse Youth Accessing Digital Mental Health Services in BC: Guest post with Dr. Shelly Ben-David   

• Ben-David S, Kolomejac S, Tallon C, Basile M, Mann G, Gray J, Higgs R, Zhao Y, Barbic S. (2025). Engaging youth as co-researchers in virtual qualitative mental health research: Practical guidelines and recommendations. Qualitative Social Work. 14733250251354824.