GOOGLE AND SELENA GOMEZ PARTNER TO FUND TEEN MENTAL HEALTH IN THE CLASSROOM

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 Monday 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.

Google.org committed earlier this year to back nonprofits that support kids’ mental health and online safety. Monday’s announcement — which will also provide $500 vouchers for eligible DonorsChoose campaigns in the near future — ups that pledge to $25 million.

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 the 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.