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The internet has enabled countless kids to learn, connect, and equip themselves for the future in ways that were previously impossible. As more and more young people go online and as new technologies like AI emerge, questions are being raised about how to help kids from preschool to high school to foster safe and healthy relationships with technology.
Since 2019, searches for “teen mental health” have more than doubled, hitting a record high last year. Additionally, in 2023, people worldwide showed a significant increase in interest in terms like “parental controls,” “screen time,” and “AI for kids.” The concerns about technology are at the forefront of families’ minds, and to mark Safer Internet Day, Google is announcing new commitments, tools, and continuous product enhancements aimed at helping kids and families forge safe, healthy, and balanced relationships with technology.
Collaborating with Others
At Google, our focus on kids, teens, and families revolves around empowering, respecting, and protecting. With years of experience in developing Google products tailored for kids and families, we have established strong partnerships with experts in child development, online safety, and mental health.
In a continuation of this commitment, Google.org is contributing $20 million to support initiatives promoting digital wellbeing, mental health, and online safety for kids of all ages. The recipient organizations will be announced in the coming months, but initial support is being extended to longstanding allies such as:
- Highlights Magazine. For over 75 years, Highlights for Children has played a pivotal role in nurturing kids’ curiosity, creativity, empathy, and confidence. A special edition of Highlights Magazine inspired by Google’s Be Internet Awesome curriculum is being launched to bring Be Internet Awesome’s mission of helping kids become safe, smart, and confident online explorers to life. This collaboration will utilize the engaging and educational puzzles, crafts, and short stories that have made Highlights a beloved publication. Furthermore, efforts are being made to ensure widespread dissemination of these resources to families and kids. In addition to reaching over one million regular subscribers, 250,000 additional copies of this edition will be distributed to Highlight’s local partners such as Save the Children and Reading is Fundamental, which cater to underprivileged communities. The support will also enable Highlights to offer a free digital version of the magazine and supplementary materials at Highlights.com/InternetSafety.
Taking awareness and access one step further, there are plans to collaborate with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America in the following months, the nation’s largest youth development organization, to host interactive and educational events, games, and activities based on the resources from Highlights and Be Internet Awesome at select Boys & Girls Clubs across the country.
