NW Illinois News

The Illinois Psychiatric Society has launched the second annual Carl C. Bell, MD Memorial Award Essay Competition aimed at Illinois High School students. The contest, open to all high school students in Illinois, focuses on the theme of social media's impact on mental health.

Participants are tasked with addressing the question: "How has social media impacted your mental health and/or the mental health of your social networks, family, schools, and/or communities?" This thought-provoking prompt encourages students to delve into the effects of social media on mental well-being within various spheres of life.

According to the contest details, the award recipient will secure a $500 cash prize and have their submission showcased at the 2024 IPS Annual Meeting, as well as published in "Mind Matters," the official newsletter of the Illinois Psychiatric Society. Additionally, the second and third place winners will each receive a $250 cash prize for their outstanding essays.

In evaluating the submissions, the papers will be judged based on criteria that include "originality, relevance to the assigned question, punctuation, spelling, thoughtfulness, creativity, and use of references," as outlined by the organizers. This comprehensive assessment aims to reward essays that not only explore the topic deeply but also demonstrate strong writing skills and critical thinking abilities.

For those interested in participating, further details and instructions on how to apply can be accessed at the official Illinois Psychiatric Society website. The deadline for submissions is set for June 1, 2024, providing ample time for high school students in Illinois to craft and submit their essays on the impactful theme of social media's influence on mental health.