YouTube has introduced a new dedicated section for teen-focused mental health and well-being content, aimed at helping users aged 13 to 17 easily access credible, age-appropriate resources on topics like depression, anxiety, ADHD, and eating disorders.
When teens search for mental health-related terms such as “depression,” YouTube now highlights a curated row of videos at the top of search results. These videos are sourced from reputable organizations and tailored to reflect the developmental and emotional needs of teenagers.
According to YouTube, this initiative was developed in partnership with leading mental health organizations such as the Child Mind Institute, ensuring that the platform promotes responsible and evidence-based content. The goal, the company said, is to provide young people with accurate information and support where they already spend much of their time — online.
This move comes amid growing concerns about the mental well-being of adolescents worldwide. Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2023 revealed that nearly 40% of students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, while more than a quarter experienced poor mental health.
Over the years, YouTube has implemented several initiatives to make the platform safer and more supportive for teens. These include:
- Applying stricter safeguards when recommending certain types of content.
- Introducing age-estimation technology to identify teenage users and offer developmentally suitable experiences.
- Expanding parental control features that let parents monitor and link their teens’ accounts for better oversight.
The new mental health and well-being section will roll out over the coming weeks in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Mexico, France, and Australia, before expanding to more regions.
Through this initiative, YouTube reinforces its broader mission to make digital spaces more inclusive and supportive for younger users — and to become a more trusted platform for conversations around mental health and well-being.