This week, all 14 CBS Television Network-owned stations, local streaming channels, and websites will present a series of solutions-oriented reports to address the youth mental health crisis in America. The series “Kids in Crisis” is the most comprehensive and collaborative effort in the history of CBS-owned stations.
Mental Health America states that more than 60% of youth suffering from major depression do not receive mental health treatment. Additionally, data from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry shows that approximately 80% of states have a severe shortage of child psychiatrists.
Wendy McMahon, president and co-head of CBS News and Stations, said,
“As someone who has the privilege of leading CBS Stations and, even more importantly, as a parent, I am extremely proud of the work our teams at every station and the CBS Local News Innovation Lab have done and will continue to do to shine a light on the issues surrounding this crisis, and also present solutions that will make a real difference in the lives of children and their families.”
The CBS Local News Innovation Lab will present three special reports for CBS Stations, and the reporting will be featured on CBS News national platforms such as CBS MORNINGS, CBS News streaming, and CBSNews.com.
Chad Cross, vice president of content development at CBS Stations, said:
“Everyone at the Innovation Lab and across our station group wants to help spark national and local conversations about the issues and potential solutions surrounding mental health.”
On Monday, Feb. 27, CBS Stations will report on the impact of mental health misinformation on TikTok and reveal solutions to combat mental health misinformation on Instagram.
On Tuesday, Feb. 28, CBS Stations will report on the shortage of mental health professionals in 41 states.
On Thursday, March 2, CBS Stations will report on the results of research on “climate change anxiety.”
In addition, CBS Stations will release the one-hour documentary, “CONNECTING THE DOTS,” from filmmaker Noemi Weis, which goes beyond just talking to experts and provides an opportunity for audiences to hear directly from young people who wish to have their voices heard.
CBS Stations will create dedicated “Kids in Crisis” landing pages on each CBS Station’s website, including viewing guides Weis created for parents and educators to use.
Adrienne Roark, president of CBS Stations, added,
“This project reflects the first time that the executive producers of community impact in each of our newsrooms have come together and collaborated on reports that will not only serve each local market, but also be extremely relevant for audiences in other cities across the country.”
