Girls Inc. and HalfTheStory team up for digital wellness programme for girls in underserved communities

Girls Inc. and HalfTheStory have launched a new initiative to address the growing need for digital wellness education. 

The initiative focuses on young girls from underserved communities across the United States and aims to equip girls with the tools needed to navigate technology and social media in a healthier, more balanced way.

For over 160 years, Girls Inc. has provided critical support to girls, particularly those from low-income and minority backgrounds. Now, by joining forces with #HalfTheStory—a non-profit that focuses on improving young people's relationships with technology—Girls Inc. aims to address the rising concerns surrounding social media use among girls.

Research from the Pew Research Center (2023) shows that girls from lower-income households are more likely to engage heavily with platforms like TikTok and Facebook, which can expose them to negative effects such as poor body image or online safety risks. 

The new programme, powered by #HalfTheStory’s Social Media U platform, will tackle these issues by educating girls on building healthier digital habits and protecting their mental health.

Support from key partners

This programme is supported by funding from Pivotal, an organisation founded by Melinda French Gates, as part of her broader $1 billion commitment to supporting women and girls. It has also received backing from The Archewell Foundation, co-founded by Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, which named #HalfTheStory to its Responsible Technology Youth Power Fund. The Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation has also contributed to the initiative, following #HalfTheStory’s involvement in an episode of "Oprah Daily" that focused on teen mental health.

Larissa May, founder and CEO of #HalfTheStory, reflected on the significance of the collaboration: 

“As a young girl who nearly lost my life to social media, it's a dream come true to bring #HalfTheStory's work to the masses through Girls Inc. As #HalfTheStory celebrates its 10th anniversary this month, this partnership marks a pivotal moment in our mission to reach one million youth by 2030 and improve the next generation's relationship with technology. We can't save the world through fear—only through solutions."

Focus on pre-teens and long-term impact

The partnership will initially target pre-teen girls, with prevention efforts aimed at mitigating the harms of social media use at a critical age. The programme will cover essential topics like body image, friendships, healthy digital habits, and online safety, giving girls the skills to interact with the digital world in a positive and productive way.

Dr. Stephanie J. Hull, President and CEO of Girls Inc., stated:

 "It is an honour to partner with #HalfTheStory to bring digital health programming to girls across the Girls Inc. Network. We believe that when girls develop the skills to leverage the digital space in healthy, positive, and productive ways, the benefits are limitless. They are stronger and more adept leaders who build solid social and emotional connections."