YouTube Launches Dedicated Mental Health Resource Section for Teens

YouTube today announced the launch of a new section dedicated to mental health and well-being content specifically for teenagers aged 13-17, aiming to provide easier access to reliable information on critical issues.

The platform will now feature a dedicated row of videos from reputable sources at the top of search results when users search for terms like “depression” or “anxiety.” This initiative, rolling out in the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Mexico, France, and Australia in the coming weeks, is designed to deliver age-appropriate content tailored to the developmental stage of young people. YouTube collaborated with organizations including the Child Mind Institute to curate these resources.

This move comes as rates of adolescent mental health concerns continue to rise; a 2023 survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that nearly 40% of students experienced persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Recognizing that nine out of ten teens use YouTube, according to the Pew Research Center, the company has been investing in teen-focused safety measures for years, including age-estimation technology and parental controls – learn more about YouTube’s safety features.

YouTube officials stated the new offering is intended to establish the platform as a trustworthy resource for teens navigating mental health challenges, and the rollout will continue over the next several weeks.