Snapchat launches new safety features to help combat mental health crisis in teens [Video]

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – 77% of teenagers experience mental health challenges, according to the American College Health Association.

Pew Research reports that the use of social media has one of the biggest impacts on mental health—alongside life experiences, genetics, and physical health.

Michael Cooper, NC Child Advocacy Senior Director, says “It increases rates of things like anxiety and depression and suicidal ideation. We’ve seen in recent years these issues getting worse and becoming a challenge for people.”

With 69% of adults and 81% of teens using social media, according to Pew—the U.S. Surgeon General is calling on Congress to require warning labels on social media platforms similar to what you see on cigarette boxes.

Following his announcement, Snapchat launched new safety measures.

Rachel Hochhauser, Snapchat Safety Operations Outreach Head, told WITN, “When we can tell that the friend request is likely from someone that the teenage doesn’t know, they’ll now get a pop-up that urges them to really …