How young people get mental health info and support online

New research from Common Sense. [Common Sense Logo]( Many young people are struggling to find in-person care, support, and practical information for their behavioral health challenges. And ever since the COVID-19 pandemic forced much of our health care online, options for supporting mental health via digital technologies have been growing in availability and accessibility. Today we released our second report this year in partnership with Hopelab, "[Getting Help Online: How Young People Find, Evaluate, and Use Mental Health Apps, Online Therapy, and Behavioral Health Information]( which focuses on how teens and young people (age 14–22) are embracing online mental health tools—from social media to therapy and mental health apps—as resources for seeking support and managing their own mental health and well-being. [Read the report]( Many young people are looking up mental health information online, taking advantage of online therapy options, and using support apps and platforms. Social media has emerged as an important place for young people to find mental health information. They're identifying others who share their challenges, and using those connections as jumping-off points to do further research or exploration. But the quality of the support and therapy provided by apps and online mental health services isn't always up to par. While 61% of those who attended online therapy said it was somewhat or very helpful, 32% said it was only a little helpful or not at all helpful. And the picture was more mixed for apps, with about half of young people saying that these apps were very or somewhat helpful (47%), and roughly another half reporting that they were a little or not at all helpful (37%) or that they could not remember whether they were helpful. Given the importance of online resources in connecting young people to the support they need, it's time to ensure that these resources are effective. And leaders across the country must prioritize the high-speed internet and connectivity that enable access to online mental health services. To support this research, we have lists of our picks for [apps]( and [podcasts]( that can help support young people's mental health. And we're continuing our advocacy work at the federal level to ensure that funding for connectivity continues for the families and communities who need it most. As always, thank you for your support. Jim Steyer Founder and CEO [Get answers to FAQs]( [Privacy policy]( [Manage email preferences]( Common Sense Media 699 8th Street, Suite C150 San Francisco, California 94103 © 2024 Common Sense Media. All rights reserved. [Unsubscribe](