Google and Selena Gomez partner to fund teen mental health in the classroom

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The unprecedented mental health crisis for children in the United States often surfaces where they spend much of their days: school. With that in mind, Google’s philanthropic arm is directly financing high school well-being projects on a classroom crowdfunding platform. Google.org on August 12 flash funded all mental health-related listings on DonorsChoose, an online charity where members help purchase supplies requested by public school teachers. With $10 million in new gifts and the help of actress Selena Gomez, the Silicon Valley giant hopes to center mindfulness as an educational goal at the start of the academic calendar. Districts have turned to teachers for psychological help after the coronavirus pandemic brought alarming levels of childhood depression, anxiety, and fights. But experts say that increased attention has not translated to more philanthropic money overall toward mental health. The move comes amid widespread criticism and lawsuits claiming Google-owned YouTube and other social media sites have fueled the childhood mental health crisis by deliberately designing addictive features. Justin Steele, Google.org’s Director for America, said its initiative highlights Google’s efforts to lead this “important conversation” and “be one part of contributing to positive solutions.” Its internet browser’s own data has showcased the rising interest; Steele said searches for “teen mental health” doubled over the last four years. Google.org is giving $6 million overall to DonorsChoose. The technology company also announced $1.5 million in donations to the Jed Foundation, the Steve Fund and Child Mind Institute—groups focused on emotional well-being among young adults, people of color and children, respectively. Gomez’s Rare Impact Fund, which seeks to drive more money into this “underfunded field,” is receiving $1.25 million. The “Only Murders in the Building” star has been vocal about her own bipolar diagnosis. In a blog post, Gomez said she knows firsthand that “caring adults” can make a big difference for teenagers. “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 wrote. “Few people are in a better position to help do this than teachers.” This article was provided by The Associated Press.