THE CHALLENGE

Create a video of no more than two minutes that shows what it can look like when someone notices that another person may be struggling, chooses to acknowledge it, listens, and helps that person take a responsible next step.

Why this matters

Emotional struggle is part of real life. Anxiety, loneliness, grief, depression, and other difficult experiences can be hard to talk about — especially when we are unsure what to say or what to do next. This challenge is about making that moment visible. Your video is not expected to solve someone’s problem. It should show what care can look like: noticing, asking, listening, respecting choice, and helping someone connect to additional support when needed.

What we want you to create

• A recognizable situation: Create a fictional, composite, or generalized scenario that feels believable to other young people.

• A real interaction: Use conversation, performance, animation, or another creative approach to show the awkwardness and uncertainty that can come with acknowledging someone’s pain.

• A caring response: Show listening, presence, questions, and respect. The person offering support does not need to have the answers.• A next step: Show how concern can lead toward a trusted adult, school counselor, family member, qualified professional, crisis resource, or another appropriate source of help.

The rules

1. Keep it under two minutes. Tell one clear story. You do not need to explain everything about mental health.

2. Use creative tools responsibly. You may use video, animation, sound, graphics, AI-assisted tools, or other creative methods your school permits. Use only material you have permission to use. If AI substantially contributes to the final clip, note that in the credits.

3. Protect privacy. Do not use another person’s real mental-health story, diagnosis, or private experience. No one should feel pressure to disclose a personal experience in order to participate.

4. Model care — not rescue. A friend or peer can listen, stay present, and help connect someone to support. Do not portray a student as responsible for treating, counseling, or “saving” another person.

5. Keep it believable. Avoid stereotypes, sensationalized behavior, or exaggerated portrayals of emotional distress. Aim for something viewers can recognize as real.

6. Do not diagnose or prescribe. Do not recommend medication, diagnose a condition, prescribe treatment, or present one solution as right for everyone.

7. Respect the person’s agency. When possible, show the person who is struggling having a voice in what happens next. Asking “What would help?” can be as important as offering help.

8. Show a pathway to help. Include at least one appropriate next step, such as speaking with a trusted adult, counselor, family member, qualified professional, or approved crisis/support resource.

9. Use safe storytelling. Do not include graphic depictions, demonstrations, or instructions involving self-harm, suicide, abuse, substance misuse, or other dangerous behavior. If your story involves an immediate safety concern, focus on getting adult or professional help.

10. Make sure everyone agrees to participate. Everyone who appears in the video or contributes an identifiable voice, image, performance, or original work must agree to the submission. Required school and parent/guardian permissions must be completed before a clip can be publicly posted.

Required closing message

Every video must end with the support message and resource information provided by the contest organizers. The purpose of the end card is to remind viewers that support is available and that not every difficult moment has to be handled alone. Every clip should include  “If you or someone you know needs support, talk with a trusted adult or qualified professional. Call or text 988 if you are in crisis and/or having thoughts of suicide” as an ending credit.

How your video will be judged

A panel of community reviewers will consider four areas. Strong ideas and responsible storytelling will matter more than expensive equipment or highly polished production.

AREA	WHAT REVIEWERS WILL LOOK FOR	WEIGHT
Message & authenticity	Is the situation believable, emotionally intelligent, and clear?	30%
Safety & health relevance	Does the clip model responsible care, preserve choice, and avoid harmful or misleading guidance?	30%

Creativity & artistic merit	Does the idea use story, performance, animation, sound, or visuals effectively?	25%
Technical execution	Can viewers clearly see, hear, and understand the clip?	15%

Participation & public posting

• Participation in the contest is voluntary.

• Your clip will identify the school, class or program, and competition year. Your name does not need to appear unless you choose to be credited and all required permissions are in place.

• Before submission, your team must confirm that everyone involved agrees to have the clip submitted for judging and understands whether and where it may be publicly posted.

• If you are a minor, required parent/guardian and school permissions must be completed before public posting or awards use. Sample letters of release are available from PEG Access RI.

Submission & recognition

Submit your clip to: BlueSkiesRI@gmail.com

Judging: Clips will be reviewed confidentially by the judging panel through BlueSkiesRI.org.

Deadline: Open ended.

Awards: Winning teams will receive cash prizes. All participating students will receive certificates of participation.

Award ceremony: May 2027 during National Mental Health Awareness Month.

THE STANDARD Make something that helps a viewer understand this: noticing matters, asking matters, listening matters — and caring well sometimes means helping someone reach beyond you for the support they need.

Some Examples Release forms from http://www.pegri.tv/guidelines Student Videos from https://www.scholasticbroadcasting.com/asb-psa-contest-2026