Students use social media to tackle youth health issues

Second-year students from Solent’s BA (Hons) Television Production and BA (Hons) Postproduction for Film and TV courses responded to a live NHS brief, producing short reels tackling the issues that matter most to young people today.

Exploring topics including vaping, mental health and sexual health, the videos use authentic storytelling and peer‑to‑peer messaging to raise awareness, challenge stigma and encourage positive health choices. Many students drew on their own lived experiences to create content that feels relatable, credible and grounded in the realities of young people’s lives.

Selena Brash, Public Health Nurse and Vaping Lead at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, recognises the importance of youth‑led communications. She says:

“Working closely with young people in communities, we hear how much they value clear and honest information on platforms they already use.

“These talented students have delivered content that is professional, relevant and credible to their peers. We’re excited to use these videos as conversation starters that encourage positive, confident health decisions and provide guidance and support.”

Designed specifically for platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and YouTube Shorts, the reels reflect how younger audiences increasingly consume information online. Each video is deliberately short, visually engaging and optimised to encourage sharing, discussion and connection.

Eltjo de Vries, a second-year BA (Hons) Postproduction student, has gained valuable experience working with industry partners on a live brief. He says, “Through this collaboration, we have all developed our professional practice, become more confident in the work we produce and will look back on this experience with fond memories.”

Kate O’Driscoll, Senior Lecturer at Solent University, says: “This project gives students invaluable real‑world experience while creating content with genuine social impact.

“Producing short‑form content for social media challenges students to think creatively and responsibly about audience and message, and the standard of work produced is extremely high.”

This year’s project also includes a partnership with Solent Mind, helping to ensure mental health messaging remains safe, supportive and stigma‑free. Together, the partners aim to increase understanding, encourage open conversations and help young people feel confident about accessing advice and support when they need it.

Lesley Stevens, Director of Quality and Engagement at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, added:

“Young people are telling us they want clear, honest and relevant information delivered in ways that make sense to them. By working in partnership with Solent University and Solent Mind, we can co‑create engaging content that feels authentic, reduces stigma and helps young people feel more confident about their health, wellbeing and where to find support.”

The videos form part of the NHS Trust’s wider prevention and early intervention work, supporting healthier choices and wellbeing across local communities. The reels will be shared across the Trust’s social media channels throughout 2026, supported by wider health awareness campaigns.