New findings from headspace show that more than half of young people feel overwhelmed by the amount of information on social media, while many wish they could disconnect but worry they would miss out.
Findings from the headspace National Youth Mental Health Survey show 56% of young people agree the amount of information on social media is overwhelming, while 51% say it would be nice to disconnect sometimes, but worry they would miss something.
The study found that three out of five LGBTIQA+ young people said it would be nice to disconnect but worry they would miss out on something, while 61% of young people from a multicultural background agreed that the amount of information on social media is overwhelming.
The findings, drawn from a survey of more than 3,000 young people, are being released for the first time today, 14 October, as part of headspace Day 2026.
headspace Day is a national day of support for the mental health and wellbeing of all young people across Australia. In the past year, headspace provided support to more than 120,000 young people across 735,000 occasions of service.
This year’s headspace Day theme is encouraging young people to take time to “do nothing*” for their mental health and wellbeing.
The campaign encourages young people to take an intentional pause from the demands of everyday life to support their mental health and wellbeing. ‘Doing nothing’ for their mental health could be putting their phone away for 15 minutes, muting a group chat, stepping away from social media, or simply making time to be present in the moment.
While headspace acknowledges that social media and online spaces can help young people connect with friends, find support and express themselves, the findings highlight the importance of finding a healthy balance online and creating opportunities to prioritise wellbeing.
The headspace National Youth Mental Health Survey also found:
• 40% admitted to ‘doomscrolling’, up from 32% in 2022
• 48% of young people compare their life to others based on what they see on social media
• 50% agree there is more negative content on social media than positive content.
Jason Trethowan, Chief Executive Officer of headspace National, said the insights were important for understanding the constant pressures young people face.
“Our survey findings show that many young people are feeling overwhelmed by the amount of information they’re exposed to online every day,” Mr Trethowan said.
“On top of this, October can be a particularly stressful time juggling exams and study pressures with everyday life. At a time when many feel they should be doing more, we want to encourage young people to remember the value of simply slowing down.”
“That’s why this headspace Day, we’re asking young people to take time to ‘do nothing*’ for their mental health and wellbeing. Nothing*’ might look different for everyone – it could be a 10-minute phone-fast, a study break watching clouds instead of TikToks, or a meal without watching reels — but the goal is the same: creating a small moment in the day to look after your mental health and wellbeing.”
For young people, the findings reflect a growing tension between wanting to stay connected and the constant pressure to stay online.
20-year-old Mahir Munot, based on Gadigal Country in Sydney and a member of the headspace Youth National Reference Group, said that he was planning to ‘do nothing*’ this headspace Day by working out without headphones, looking out the window on the train, and letting his mind wander to give himself a break from the mental load of being constantly connected.
“Social media can make you feel like you’re overwhelmed and lead to constantly comparing yourself to others. It can make you wonder whether you’re doing enough, socialising enough or making the most of every moment,” Munot said.
“Taking 10 minutes to ‘do nothing*’ for your mental health and wellbeing can have a positive impact long after those 10 minutes are over.
“Looking after your mental health and wellbeing is like writing with a pencil: If you never stop to sharpen the pencil, it gets harder to write the longer you keep going. Taking a moment to ‘do nothing*’ for your mental health and wellbeing fights feelings of being overwhelmed and ensures you can stay sharp.”
headspace centres across Australia will be celebrating headspace Day, with local events encouraging young people to start conversations about their mental health. To get involved and see what is happening in your local community for headspace Day, visit get involved this headspace day 2026
In-person support for young people aged 12 to 25 is available at headspace services in 176 communities . You can find your nearest service here: Find a centre – Australia wide
Free and confidential support is also available via phone and online counselling service, eheadspace, seven days a week between 3pm-10pm local time. eheadspace’s number is 1800 650 890, or you can chat online here: https://headspace.org.au/my-account/waiting-room
If you’re looking for someone to talk to immediately, Lifeline (13 11 14) and Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) are available to talk 24/7. In an emergency, call 000.
