In the midst of Australia's debate on whether to introduce age limits on social media platforms, ReachOut has unveiled a research showing 73% of social users are turning to social media platforms for mental health assistance.

The youth mental health service's report explored the use of social media by young people for mental health support, surveying over 2000 young individuals.Nearly half (47%) of the participants sought information on how to obtain professional mental health support on social media. Furthermore, 40% of the participants sought professional help after viewing mental health information on social media. Half of the young people with a probable mental health condition said they search for mental health information or support on social media due to lack of access to professional support. Overall, the study revealed 66% of participants reported increased awareness about their mental health due to the relevant content accessed via social media. Primary platforms used for this purpose were TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.

However, the ReachOut study also highlighted some concerns. More than one-third (38%) of participants were deeply worried about harmful mental health content on social media. Additionally, 43% who sought support online were deeply concerned about the addictive nature of social media.

"ReachOut's new research report illustrates how young people across Australia are using social media platforms to look for mental health information to reassure them, for condition-related information and for coping strategies. In many cases young people are feeling relief or going on to get further support," Gary Groves, CEO of ReachOut, said.

Groves also acknowledged the potential pitfalls of social media. "However young people have not sugar coated their experiences of social media - they highlight the many pitfalls and dangers. These experiences have informed the practical solutions they have suggested to make social media platforms safer."

The CEO emphasised the importance of social media as a mental health resource for young people. "As we can see from this research, social media is increasingly the front door to the mental health system for young people. We need reforms that make it safer and easier for young people to access support in the moments they need it, not cut them off from mental health support."

As a result, Groves stressed the importance of including young people's voices and experiences in the Federal Government's social media reform efforts.

"For reform to be effective we need to bring the voices and experiences of young people front and center, including, via rich research insights like those in this new report," he added.

The research was conducted in November 2023. The findings included a call for an end to addictive features on social media like infinite scroll, more control over content, better labelling of mental health information from credible sources, better education, and more mental health information provided across platforms.