Youtube has partnered with Australian mental health organisations Black Dog Institute, ReachOut Australia and Dr Syl (YouTube Creator and Psychiatry Trainee) to deliver a dedicated shelf of age-appropriate videos for teens.
“At YouTube, we’ve built specific age-appropriate experiences for our younger users for more than a decade," said Dr. Garth Graham, director and global head of YouTube Health.
"Today, we’re announcing our newest offering – mental health & wellbeing content in a dedicated surface built just for teens.
“When seeking out age-appropriate information on common mental health and wellbeing topics like depression, anxiety, ADHD, and eating disorders, teens will now see a shelf of videos from trusted sources. Our goal is to make it easier for them to find credible information that is tailored to their developmental stage of life.”
Videos must be evidence-based, teen-centric and engaging to be included in the shelves.
"When sharing mental health resources, it's vital they are evidence-based, accessible, and tailored to the needs of those seeking support,” said Nicole Scott, director of corporate affairs at Black Dog Institute.
“In today’s digital landscape where misinformation can easily spread, the availability of expert-backed content is especially valuable. This aligns with growing evidence that young people actively seek mental health information online, and that safe, verified content can play an important role in increasing mental health literacy, reducing stigma, and encouraging help-seeking.”
ReachOut Australia will provide practical, relatable articles and videos with actionable tips and support.
"According to research by ReachOut, nearly three-quarters of young people report turning to online platforms, including YouTube, for mental health information,” said Tracey Campbell, director of marketing and fundraising.
"Young people are digital natives and it's so important that they have access to safe, free and evidence-based mental health information and support in their online worlds. ReachOut is partnering with YouTube on this initiative to help ensure that more young people can turn to trusted sources of mental health support when they need it.”
And Dr Syl has created medically-informed content that engages teens.
"Teens on YouTube are actively searching for answers to questions about their mental health that they might be afraid to ask out loud,” said Dr Syl, YouTube creator and psychiatry trainee.
"As a creator, educator and doctor, my goal has always been to bridge the gap between complex medical information and content that is engaging, relatable, and easy to understand. This new teen mental health shelf is a vital step in cutting through the noise, and it will directly connect young Australians with credible, supportive, and evidence-based information when they need it most. I’m proud to partner with YouTube on this initiative."
These shelves will start rolling out for teens in Australia in the coming weeks. They’ll also launch in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
Youtube has also invested in a Youth and Families Advisory Committee for teen-specific guardrails on both recommendations and content.
“It’s important to everyone at YouTube that this is a platform where teens can safely explore their interests and also find answers to their questions - including questions about their health and wellbeing,” said Dr. Graham.
“As a doctor and father of four, it makes me happy to see so many health organisations from around the world recognise the role YouTube plays in helping to reach teens with health information when they need it.”
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