This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for intervention in youth depression. Electronic databases and references in articles were searched. Randomized controlled trials evaluating MBSR and reporting outcomes for depressive symptoms among youth aged 12- 25 years were included. Two reviewers independently conducted title and abstract screening, full text screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. Standardized mean differences with 95% confidence interval were calculated to represent intervention effects. Ten randomized controlled trials featuring 985 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Effect-size estimates suggested that MBSR was moderately effective at the end of intervention (SMD = -.52) and slightly effective at short-term follow-up (SMD = -.24) and long-term follow-up (SMD = -.15). In conclusion, MBSR is effective in reducing youth depression, although the long-term effect appears weak.