Digital Smarts - YouTube Series Focuses on Suicide and Social Media

Over the past two decades, the rate of suicide has risen by 60% among those aged 10 to 24, according to a 2020 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This statistic inspired a new YouTube video series called My Life is Worth Living , which seeks to connect with teenagers and address the feelings of loneliness that can lead young people to take their own lives. The 20 episode series is grounded in research and illustrates the healing power of feeling connected. Wonder Media CEO Terry Thoren, whose team wrote and animated the series, says an essential first step in that conversation is connecting with teenagers. “Animation is a universal language,” said Thoren. “There are no preconceived ideas of race, religion, gender, or stereotypes. And we know that teenagers are spending 85 minutes per day on YouTube, according to a 2020 study by Qustodio, so this series will reach them where they’re most likely to look when they need help.”