Neuropediatrics 2025; 56(S 01): S1-S24
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1812165
Varia

From Theory to Action: Raising Awareness for Brain Health Through the #BrainHealthChallenge2025

Authors

  • M. C. Kielkopf

    1   University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
    2   Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland

  • S. Gluscevic

    1   University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
    3   Neurology clinic, Clinical centre of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro

  • A. Gschaidmeier

    1   University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
    4   Division of Neuropaediatrics, Development and Rehabilitation, Department of Paediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland

  • A. Bria

    1   University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland

  • H. Hess

    1   University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland

  • T. Monschein

    1   University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
    5   Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
    6   Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

  • S. Goeschl

    1   University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
    7   Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

  • A. Semerano

    1   University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland

  • P. Weber

    1   University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland

  • M. Wieske

    1   University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland

  • S. Jung

    1   University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
    2   Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland

  • C. L. Bassetti

    2   Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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*Contributed equally

Background/Purpose: Brain Health embraces the full spectrum of cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and social functions essential for navigating everyday challenges. Neurological and psychiatric disorders affect more than 50% of the global population, with a relevant and rising burden of brain disorders in the pediatric population, with an increasing risk of factors such as excessive screen time. To reach the younger population, social media has been used for various health purposes. One prominent example is the Ice Bucket Challenge, launched to promote awareness of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The primary goal is to raise Awareness for Brain Health through a low-threshold, social media-driven campaign and promote preventive brain health habits.

Methods: The #BrainHealthChallenge2025 was developed as part of the Swiss Brain Health Plan. In the context of this initiative, students initiated a campaign as part of the first Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Brain Health at the University of Bern. The campaign launched on different social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and X. The challenge was designed as a nomination-based initiative. Participants can take part by creating a short video (10–60 seconds) or photo while wearing a helmet or any other form of head protection, in an unexpected setting. Along with their photo or video, participants explain why brain health matters to them or what they personally do to promote their brain health, followed by a nomination of three other individuals.

Results: Impact will be assessed via mixed-methods metrics: social media analytics, media coverage breadth, and stakeholder participation. Early adopters, including clinicians and influencers, demonstrate the campaign's cross-cultural resonance, aligning with the Swiss Brain Health Plan.

Conclusion: The #BrainHealthChallenge2025 combines the viral momentum of social media with science-backed messaging to raise awareness of brain health in a way that is accessible, visual, and community-driven.



Publication History

Article published online:
26 September 2025

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