American Teens Increasingly Turning to Online Mental Health Support
According to the latest report published by Common Sense, a company that researches children and teens in America, more than half of the young people in the United States regularly seek mental health information online and use mental health support apps. The report, published in June, was based on a national survey conducted in October and November 2023, involving 1,274 young people aged 14-22 in the United States.
The report found that nearly two-thirds (65%) of teens and young adults used these applications for any behavioral health topic, more than half (54%) used them to support their mental health and well-being, and more than a quarter (26%) used them for online therapy. The report revealed that the majority of young people who searched for mental health information online (53%) turned to medical websites, but social media sites were also an important source of information for many young people. It was found that 38% searched on YouTube, 34% on TikTok, and 23% on Instagram. A smaller percentage (6%) used artificial intelligence tools.
The report also showed that many young people used applications for meditation, mindfulness, habit and sleep tracking, and journaling to support their well-being. The reasons students turn to these types of applications are cited as not wanting to deal with the logistics of seeking professional mental health support, finding it more comfortable to use technology, and the accessibility of a phone app at all times.