This report takes an in-depth look at the changing ways that young people use digital spaces for mental health information, what factors influence how they engage, and the implications for the mental health sector. The survey analysis shows that young people increasingly rely on social media for information, support and connection. 

In particular, the report highlights the way that social media use interacts with traditional channels for accessing mental health support, finding that although social media helps to raise awareness of mental health support and access to professional help, it does also sometimes replace it for young people who either cannot access or do not want professional help. The report also shows that young people are discerning in the resources they seek out (preferencing material from mental health professionals) and that they want digital platforms to do more to filter, monitor and flag misinformation. 

Key findings

• 73% of young people use social platforms for mental health purposes.
• TikTok, YouTube and Instagram account for over 70% of young people’s preferred social media platforms.
• 66% of participants identified increased awareness of their mental health as a benefit of engaging with online content.
• 51% of young people facing mental health challenges use social media as a substitute for professional support.
• 47% said it encouraged them to seek professional support.
• 63% of young people have encountered misleading or harmful mental health content.
• 58% report fact-checking mental health information before following it.