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YouTube rolls out new mental health and wellbeing tools for teenagers

  Google states that the goal is to make it simpler for children to locate reliable information that is appropriate for their stage of development.

YouTube is working with international institutions that specialise in teaching young people about mental health and wellness to make the films. (Image: Google)YouTube is working with international institutions that specialise in teaching young people about mental health and wellness to make the films. (Image: Google)

On October 15, YouTube launched content specifically designed for teenagers, focusing on mental health and well-being.

Teenagers will now view a ‘shelf of films’ from reliable sources when looking for age-appropriate information on popular mental health and well-being themes like eating disorders, anxiety, despair, and ADHD.  Google states that the goal is to make it simpler for children to locate reliable information that is appropriate for their stage of development.

For a video to be placed on the shelf, its content needs to be engaging, aimed at teenagers, and backed up by data. YouTube is working with international institutions that specialise in teaching young people about mental health and wellness to make the films. 

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s top mental health facility in India, the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), has created the “ManoSandesh” video series to showcase reliable mental health advice. Leading researchers, patient advocates, and mental health specialists respond to frequently asked issues in the series, such as “How can I talk to my teenager about stress and anxiety?”

Dr Pratima Murthy, director, senior professor of psychiatry at NIMHANS, said, “Focusing on emotional well-being, early identification and timely support for mental health concerns during adolescence can make a lasting difference, altering the trajectory of health and well-being into adulthood. Equipping young people with knowledge, coping skills, and accessible care strengthens their capacity to navigate challenges and build resilience. Initiatives like these not only raise awareness and reduce stigma but also foster safe, supportive environments in schools, families, and communities. At NIMHANS, we believe that collaborative efforts between institutions, educators, families, and adolescents themselves are central to transforming mental health outcomes for the next generation.”

From dedicated shelves of content for particular health conditions to health source information panels that inform viewers that the person they are speaking with is a licensed healthcare professional.

YouTube has also invested in the Youth Digital Wellbeing Initiative supports a unified vision for the development of high-quality, age-appropriate content that can have a positive impact on young people’s lives. And, they are continuing to work with partners and experts to develop resources for healthy screen habits for teens and teen-specific guardrails.

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All of this is supported by industry-leading guidelines that specify what belongs on YouTube and what isn’t eligible for ad revenue.

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