By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
Mattel has launched a global charitable initiative for its Monster High toy and entertainment brand called Monster High Project Belonging.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in five children have a significantly impairing mental disorder.
In light of this information, children’s mental health has become a significant concern for parents and caregivers in recent years.
“Monster High has always celebrated individuality and acceptance, and these core values powered the brand to become one of the most successful and beloved kids’ properties of all time,” said Mattel VP, Nathan Baynard. “As we continue to envision the franchise today, and through our newest initiative, Monster High Project Belonging, we aim to create a world where everyone can openly express themselves and live authentically by providing resources for teachers and parents to broker important conversations with kids to create a sense of belonging for all.”
The Monster High Project Belonging initiative is kicking off through a funding partnership with the On Our Sleeves Movement for Children’s Mental Health.
Created by Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the On Our Sleeves Movement focuses on creating and distributing free educational resources for pediatric mental health.
The On Our Sleeves Movement is supported by a network of almost a thousand mental health researchers and professionals from Nationwide Children’s Hospitals.
The organization also collaborates with numerous experienced mental health and wellness experts through partnerships with outside organizations.
Monster High Project Belonging provided funding to support secondary research conducted by pediatric psychologists Dr. William Leever, PhD and Dr. Ariana Hoet, PhD on the topics of loneliness, belonging and social connectedness and how it impacts a child’s mental health.
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Based on information found during the On Our Sleeves literature review, having a strong sense of belonging can help reduce the long-term impact of childhood trauma and adverse childhood experiences.
The insights from this literature review are intended to help educate and empower parents, caregivers and teachers on how to effectively improve a child’s sense of belonging and social connection from an early age.
“We are grateful for this exciting new partnership with Monster High’s Project Belonging,” said On Our Sleeves director, Dr. Ariana Hoet. “We know that belonging protects and is essential to children’s mental health. We’d like to thank Monster High and Mattel for funding the literature review that allowed us to inform the creation of important resources for families and teachers so they can understand and promote belonging and connectedness for the kids in their lives,” added Hoet. “The Monster High brand is on a mission to build a world where everyone belongs, and we are proud to be the clinical experts supporting this important goal for children everywhere.”
Monster High Project Belonging is also teaming up with Target for a World Mental Health Month funding initiative.
During the month of October, Mattel will donate one dollar to the DoSomething nonprofit for each Skulltimate Secrets Cleo DeNile Monster High doll that is sold at participating Target stores and the official Target website.
The donated funds will help support DoSomething’s social impact and community outreach programs.
Mattel recently launched a new set of Monster High dolls, accessories, apparel, costumes, and more to support its revitalized animated series and live-action movie that aired on Nickelodeon.
Monster High Project Belonging will be officially announced after the premiere of the new Monster High 2 live-action movie on Nickelodeon.
Season one of the new Monster High animated series from Nickelodeon and Mattel will continue to air new episodes and half-hour specials throughout October 2023.
Mattel is a global toy and family-friendly entertainment company. Mattel creates content, products and experiences based on its extensive portfolio of wholly-owned and licensed brands.
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