On Thursday, June 20, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan released a groundbreaking report on the impact of social media on mental health. The “Special Report on Social Media and Mental Health” is the first of its kind by a public health agency and includes findings from two new surveys that explored the social media habits and mental health status of children, teens, and their caregivers in New York City.
The report, based on responses from 22,484 parents, guardians, and other caregivers of children aged 5 to 17, highlights the alarming connection between social media use and increased rates of anxiety and depression. According to the findings, 93 percent of New York City teens use some form of social media, with those who do so daily reporting higher rates of anxiety (90 percent) and depressive symptoms (56 percent). Parents of social media users are also more likely to report anxiety and depression diagnoses for both themselves and their children.
Mayor Adams emphasized the urgent need to address the mental health crisis exacerbated by social media. “The results of this survey provide yet another confirmation of what we have long known: Social media platforms help to create a toxic environment that has detrimental effects on our young people,” he said.
The administration has taken multiple steps to support youth mental health, including launching TeenSpace, a tele-mental health service for teenagers, and increasing access to mental health clinics in public schools.
The report’s recommendations include expanding educational resources to raise awareness of healthy social media habits, implementing digital literacy programs, and enforcing regulations requiring social media companies to adopt robust content moderation policies and data privacy protections. Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom stated, “It is important we continue to understand its implications for our young people and this report helps us do just that.”
Dr. Vasan underscored the need for a stronger understanding of social media’s impact on mental health to protect the well-being of children and teens. He noted that the report’s findings will inform future policies and programs aimed at mitigating the harm caused by social media.
The Adams administration has also filed a lawsuit against major social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and YouTube, holding them accountable for their role in the youth mental health crisis. The city’s comprehensive mental health plan, “Care, Community, Action,” includes over $20 million in new commitments to child and family mental health initiatives.
The report and accompanying resources aim to provide parents, caregivers, and youth-serving organizations with the tools necessary to navigate the digital landscape and protect the mental health of New York City’s young residents.
