World Mental Health Day: New APA partnership and resources for teen mental health
Oct 10, 2025 [[read-time]] minute read
On World Mental Health Day, we’re reflecting on YouTube’s commitment to helping young people navigate their online lives in a way that prioritizes their well-being.
This year, we've deepened our commitment to mental health through strategic partnerships, policies, and product updates. Key initiatives include expanding safeguards for teen content recommendations and launching the Youth Digital Wellbeing Initiative — with these efforts highlighting the vital role of our mental health expert collaborations.
Partnering with the APA on wellbeing resources for families with teens
In March, we introduced a partnership with the APA with the release of a new parent guide, with evidence-based recommendations to support teens’ healthy video-viewing habits. Recognizing the challenges families face in the digital age, we're excited to announce the next phase of our partnership, a new, expert-vetted video series that brings the guide’s advice to life.
The video series features psychology experts, and gives parents and teens practical tools for having meaningful conversations about their online content choices, habits, and experiences.
See the full playlist here!
This video series focuses on supporting teens’ healthy video-viewing habits. View APA’s Healthy Video Viewing Guide for parents of teens, created in partnership with YouTube. https://healthyviewing.apa.org/
“These videos give parents real language and practical approaches for handling those moments when teens encounter troubling content online. Rather than avoiding or feeling overwhelmed by these conversations, families can turn them into opportunities for connection and growth. When parents have the right tools, they can help their teens build the critical thinking skills they need to navigate the digital world thoughtfully,” says APA CEO Arthur C. Evans, Jr., PhD.
Families can now find guidance on having effective conversations with teens about video content, discussing emotional responses to content, effectively talking about video influencers, and how to assess your teen’s readiness for video content and more.
A stigma-free space: the power of creators & community
YouTube helps teens learn about mental health in a way that feels easy, private, and judgment-free. Creators on the platform share their own stories, which helps teens feel connected and understood, alongside advice from experts.
Here's what creators from Australia, Brazil, Germany, and US creators have to say about the community they’ve built and the vital role YouTube plays in their mental health journey.
[Australia] Mental Health Creator, Dr Syl:
“YouTube is a critical resource that can help anyone learn about mental health. It lets people explore and learn content at their own pace and with a creator they can relate to. This helps reduce shame and stigma, and promote understanding. I find it wonderful when a patient has already researched a subject they wish to discuss with me as their doctor. It can allow for a more in depth discussion which empowers patients to make better choices.”
[Brazil] Physician and Scientist, Drauzio Varella:
“Youth is already a time of doubt, insecurity, and discovery. With the internet and social media, these challenges take on a new dimension. Having a project focused on youth mental health is essential to provide reliable information and support at such a delicate time in life.”
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[Germany] Psychology Focused Content Creator: krisenchat:
“By working with YouTube we reach teens in a familiar, trusted space and offer low-threshold, anonymous help,” explains Melanie Eckert, Co-CEO of krisenchat. “YouTube helps us show teens: you’re not alone — support is available anytime. Thanks to this essential channel, we can meet young people where they already are and connect them directly to our toll free, 24/7 crisis counseling, help chat.“
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[US] Marketing Focused Content Creator, zoeunlimited:
“YouTube began as my video journal of girlhood. Over time, that journal bloomed into a space where millions of brilliant women learn and grow together.”
[US] Pop-Rock Music Duo and Content Creators, CrashAdams:
"Whether it’s through our music, videos, or just showing up as ourselves, YouTube gives us the opportunity to spread our message to millions of people. Our mission is to bring happiness and positivity to as many people as possible, so if someone leaves our channel with a smile on their face or feeling better about their day, we’ve done our job."