As Kids and Teens Struggle with Mental Health, New Resources Help Parents Provide Support

Rhea-AI Summary

The Ad Council and Pivotal launched new PSAs for their 'Sound It Out' campaign, emphasizing that 'Listening is a Form of Love'. The initiative addresses concerning youth mental health statistics, with 55% of young people (ages 10-24) reporting mental health challenges, including 20% showing depression symptoms and 25% experiencing anxiety.

The campaign, developed by McCann New York, directs parents to SoundItOutTogether.org for expert-vetted resources to support children's mental health through active listening. Research shows teens prefer turning to parents for support but feel adults may not understand their struggles. Since its 2021 launch, the campaign has received over $55M in donated media support and generated 5.1 million website visits.

The new PSAs include an interactive digital experience where parents can practice 'holding space' by listening to kids' perspectives, available in both English and Spanish.

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With over half of youth reporting mental health struggles, the national "Sound It Out" campaign reminds parents that "Listening is a Form of Love"

NEW YORK, Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Sound It Out" campaign, created by the Ad Council in partnership with Pivotal, today premiered new public service advertisements (PSAs) reminding parents and caregivers of the important role they play in supporting young people's emotional wellbeing. Developed by McCann New York with guidance from youth mental health experts, the "Listening is a Form of Love" PSAs direct audiences to SoundItOutTogether.org for free, expert-vetted resources to help them support their children's mental health through listening and reflecting. 

New data from Surgo Health's Youth Mental Health Tracker, released earlier today, highlights that 55% of youth (ages 10-24) report mental health struggles. One in five youth report symptoms of depression, and one in four report symptoms of anxiety. Additional research from The JED Foundation shows that teens are most likely to turn to their parents for support (rather than peers or professionals) but also believe that adults may not understand what they're going through and often try to offer solutions rather than simply listening. The "Listening is a Form of Love" work helps bridge that gap by helping parents understand young people's perspective and encouraging them to embrace active listening.

"Experts tell us that the best way to support a kid or teen's emotional wellbeing is by being a steady, supportive presence in their lives," said Heidi Arthur, chief campaign development officer, the Ad Council. "Through this new work, and our ongoing 'Sound It Out' campaign, we are helping parents communicate better with their kids, which we all know can be hard."

"Listening is a Form of Love" was created pro bono, in English and Spanish, by creative agencies McCann New York and Casanova//McCann. The new work also includes an interactive digital experience that invites parents to practice "holding space" by pressing the space bar to listen to kids sharing what they wish their parents could hear, in their own words. By going beyond a traditional film format, "Listening is a Form of Love" creates literal interpretation of the active listening the campaign encourages. SoundItOutTogether.org also offers parents and caregivers guidance for how to prepare for conversations on topics that affect their kids' emotional wellbeing, ranging from digital life to body image and relationships. 

"Working with the Ad Council on this project has been an incredible honor. As an agency, we aspire to make work that truly matters, and right now, our youth is facing a mental health crisis," said Shayne Millington, chief creative officer, McCann New York. "This interactive film invites parents to pause, lean in, and truly listen—because listening isn't just hearing words... It's about creating space for their kids' struggles and stories, a space where connection and understanding are the goal."

"It's important for parents and caregivers to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment where young people feel safe to express their feelings and know that even if parents don't always understand, they care enough to try," said Dr. Regina Miranda, professor of psychology at Hunter College, who advised on the campaign's development. "By providing accessible, culturally relevant resources, the 'Sound It Out' campaign helps parents and caregivers create a space for young people to talk about their feelings without fear of judgment."

Since first launching in April 2021, "Sound It Out" has received more than $55M in donated media support across television, radio, print, out-of-home and digital media, resulting in over 5.1 million website visits.  Notably, those who are aware of the PSAs (48%) are more likely to report that frequently checking in with their child about their emotional wellbeing describes them "very well" than those not aware (39%). The latest creative will appear nationwide as TV, digital, social, radio, print and out-of-home PSAs, with time and space donated by the media.

For free resources, conversation guides, and the new interactive experience, visit SoundItOutTogether.org. For more tips and community, join the "Sound It Out" social channels on Instagram, Facebook and X.

About the Ad Council

The Ad Council convenes creative storytellers to educate, unite and uplift audiences by opening hearts, inspiring action and accelerating change. For more than 80 years, the nonprofit organization and its partners in advertising, media, marketing and tech have been behind some of the country's most iconic social impact campaigns – Smokey Bear, A Mind Is a Terrible Thing to Waste, Love Has No Labels, Tear the Paper Ceiling and many more. With a current focus on mental health, gun violence prevention, combating hate and bias, the overdose crisis and other critical issues, the Ad Council's national campaigns encompass advertising and media content, ground game and community efforts, trusted messenger and influencer engagement, employer programs and other innovative strategies.

To learn more or get involved, visit AdCouncil.org, join the Ad Council's communities on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X, and view campaign creative on YouTube.

About McCann

McCann builds enduring brands and businesses that drive growth and leave a lasting impact on culture. Founded over 100 years ago and guided by the enduring brand platform, "Truth Well Told," McCann is the world's leading advertising agency network, creating some of the most creatively and commercially impactful advertising globally. McCann is the founding agency of McCann Worldgroup and part of the Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE: IPG). 

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SOURCE The Ad Council

FAQ

What are the key mental health statistics revealed in the Sound It Out campaign?

According to Surgo Health's Youth Mental Health Tracker, 55% of youth (ages 10-24) report mental health struggles, with 20% showing depression symptoms and 25% experiencing anxiety symptoms.

How successful has the Sound It Out campaign been since its 2021 launch?

The campaign has received over $55M in donated media support across various platforms and generated more than 5.1 million website visits since launching in April 2021.

What new features does the Sound It Out campaign's 2024 update include?

The 2024 update includes new PSAs titled 'Listening is a Form of Love' and an interactive digital experience where parents can practice active listening by pressing the space bar to hear children's perspectives.

How effective is the Sound It Out campaign in changing parent behavior?

Parents aware of the PSAs (48%) are more likely to frequently check in with their children about emotional wellbeing compared to those unaware (39%).

What resources does SoundItOutTogether.org provide for parents?

The website offers free expert-vetted resources, conversation guides, and tools to help parents discuss various topics affecting children's emotional wellbeing, including digital life, body image, and relationships.