Google And Selena Gomez Partner To Fund Teen Mental Health In The Classroom

GOOGLE | The extraordinary mental health problem for children in the United States frequently manifests itself at school, where they spend a significant portion of their days. With this in mind, Google’s philanthropy arm is directly sponsoring high school wellness programs via a classroom crowdfunding site.

On Monday, Google.org financed all mental health-related postings on DonorsChoose, an online charity that allows users to assist in purchasing goods sought by public school teachers. With $10 million in new donations and the assistance of starlet Selena Gomez, the Silicon Valley behemoth intends to establish mindfulness as an educational goal at the start of the academic year.

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Google And Selena Gomez Partner To Fund Teen Mental Health In The Classroom

Districts have resorted to teachers for psychological assistance after the coronavirus pandemic caused frightening levels of childhood despair, anxiety, and conflicts. However, experts argue that increasing attention has not resulted in more philanthropic money going into mental health.

Google.org pledged to help groups promoting children’s mental health and online safety earlier this year. Monday’s announcement will also include $500 vouchers for qualified DonorsChoose campaigns shortly, increasing the total to $25 million.

The move comes amid significant criticism and lawsuits alleging that Google-owned YouTube and other social media platforms have exacerbated childhood mental health issues by purposefully developing addictive features.

According to Justin Steele, Google.org’s Director for America, the program demonstrates Google’s efforts to lead this “important conversation” and “be one part of contributing to positive solutions.”

According to Steele, searches for “teen mental health” have risen in the last four years, indicating a growing interest.

“Obviously, we want people to be able to take advantage of all the amazing things technology has to offer,” Steele told the crowd. “But we also want them to be able to do it in a healthy and safe way.”

Google.org is donating $6 million to DonorsChoose. The technology giant also made a $1.5 million commitment to the Jed Foundation, the Steve Fund, and the Child Mind Institute, three organizations dedicated to the emotional well-being of young adults, people of color, and children, respectively. The organizations will create half-hour training courses to help educators manage emerging mental health concerns. Once the course is completed, teachers can receive $200 in DonorsChoose credits.

Gomez’s Rare Impact Fund, which aims to bring additional money into this “underfunded field,” will get $1.25 million.

The “Only Murders in the Building” star has spoken openly about her own bipolar disorder. In a blog post published on Monday, Gomez stated that she has direct experience with “caring adults” who can make a significant difference for youngsters.

“As young people find their way through the world, it’s crucial that they get guidance in building healthy, positive and productive mental health habits,” Gomez posted on Twitter. “Few people are in a better position to help do this than teachers.”

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest report emphasized addressing behavioral difficulties in high school. According to data released on August 6, students reported more bullying and missed school due to safety concerns than in previous years.

Mindful Philanthropy Executive Director Alyson Niemann recognized that the increased focus on mental health has resulted in little funding increases for NGOs in this field. However, she claims that the money needs to reflect the rising levels of awareness.

According to Niemann, one big impediment is that contributors need to be made aware of which remedies are effective. She believes school-based mental health support is one of the most effective therapies. Many students start their treatment journey here, where they can find trusted adults like instructors and coaches.

DonorsChoose CEO Alix Guerrier emphasized that instructors do not replace mental health specialists. However, he said that the number of mental health submissions on DonorsChoose has increased fourfold in the last four years. Such requests include saucer chairs for a “calm corner” and meditative plush animals that help with deep breathing.

Google And Selena Gomez Partner To Fund Teen Mental Health In The Classroom

“There are no limits to teachers’ creativity,” Guerrier stated.

Aileen Gendrano Adao has long made mental health a priority in her Los Angeles classes. The high school English teacher stated that she advises students to take three deep breaths at the start of class. Wall posters promote pupils’ self-esteem.

She says DonorsChoose allows her to be creative with pupils, especially when districts don’t have the money to meet real-time needs. During the pandemic, Asian Americans experienced racially motivated attacks, so she obtained graphic novels about Asian American identity.

She thinks that the additional funds will motivate educators to prioritise mental health.

“Schools are transforming in a way that’s needed and necessary to heal from post-pandemic chaos,” she informed us. “There is an investment. People see us and want us to be better and complete again.

SOURCE | AP