High School students can participate in the Breaking the Silence Youth PSA Contest. Make a submission by May 31!
Interact for Health is teaming up with Fox19 Now and United Way of Greater Cincinnati to bring back the Breaking the Silence PSA contest just in time for the winning PSA to be aired during the 2026 FIFA World Cup! Breaking the Silence is designed to raise awareness, encourage education, and foster hope about the importance of your loved one’s mental health.
The contest calls on Greater Cincinnati high school students to create a 30-second PSA to answer this question: What do you wish adults knew about teen mental health and/or teen suicide prevention?
How to Enter the Breaking the Silence Youth PSA Contest
After creating a video, upload the finished piece to the Campaign Submission Page to complete the entry process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PSA?
A public service announcement, or PSA, is a message shared with the general public that raises awareness about an issue. Although most public service announcements have the overarching goal of informing their audience, a PSA may also serve to inspire the public to take action or make a change.
What length should the PSA be?
IMPORTANT – PSAs must be exactly 30 seconds in length.
Who can enter?
High School-aged children in the Fox19 Broadcast Area. See the counties and details listed in the Eligibility Restrictions.
Can students enter if they do not live in the area but go to school there?
Students must reside in the area.
Can students submit PSAs as a group?
Yes, students can work together as a group. Group PSAs should be submitted by one team member and only submitted once.
How can students participate?
After creating a video, students can upload the finished piece to the Campaign Submission Page to complete the entry process.
What camera can be used?
Cell phone-quality videos are expected, but students can use any camera. Students are encouraged to get creative! There are no limits to the media or content that needs to be in the PSA. The content could be live-action videos, infographic explainers, stop-motion animation, etc.
Is this PSA supposed to be about Mental Health or Suicide?
Either/Both. The PSA should address teen mental health and/or the prevention of teen suicide. As a starting prompt, please consider: What do you wish adults knew about teen mental health and/or teen suicide prevention? Creativity is encouraged.
What is a reliable source of data about mental health and suicide that can be referenced when making the PSA?
Several sites include data and resources about mental health and suicide prevention, including the following:
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
- US Surgeon General data and resources on youth mental health
- CDC Youth Mental Health Trends
- PreventionFIRST! 2024 Student Survey: mental health indicators from a survey of 15,000+ middle and high school students in Greater Cincinnati (see slides 23-34)
- MindPeace: Greater Cincinnati resources for families and schools on youth mental health
- Selfsea: A place for identity and health – made by, with, and for young people
- The Trevor Project for LGBTQ+ youth
Can students get help making their PSA?
No one can assist students in the filming and editing of the PSAs.
Students can use their school, local libraries, or the makerspace.
Who is selecting the semi-finalists?
A panel of a minimum of 3 members consisting of 1 WXIX management, 1 representative from United Way of Greater Cincinnati, and 1 representative from Interact for Health.
Fox19 Viewers will vote on the semi-finalists to pick the ultimate winner.
When will the submitted PSA commercials air?
- June 8, 2026 – July 17, 2026: Top 3 Finalists Run, Invitation for Viewer Voting
- July 19, 2026: World Cup Final Reveal
What are the prizes?
3 Semi-Finalists:
- Each semi-finalist will receive a 4x lower level tickets to the FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew match on 7/25/2026, 1x special prematch experience pass for the match on 7/25/2026, and an autographed FC Cincinnati item.
- Each semi-finalist will have their PSA aired no less than 15 times on Fox19 and no less than 50 times on Fox’s substation, Heroes and Icons.
Winning Entry:
- In addition to the prizes above, the winner will have their PSA run one time in-game during the FIFA World Cup Final on Fox19, Sunday, July 19, 2026.
About Interact for Health
Interact for Health works so that people in our region are healthy and thriving, regardless of who they are or where they live. We advance health justice by tackling the root causes of unfair systems, amplifying community power, and partnering with trust.
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