Monster High Project Belonging

Monster High is committed to creating a world where every kid is proud to be their authentic self and feel like they belong. Partnering with leading experts, we’re launching Monster High Project Belonging, a global initiative that provides parents and teachers with research-based tools that support belonging and help kids build healthy relationships.

Loneliness, isolation, and bullying have contributed to the mental health crisis.

Recent studies show that social isolation and loneliness are a growing problem particularly among youth. With loneliness rates increasing every year, identifying and investing in evidence-informed interventions to increase belonging and connectedness is crucial as we respond to the mental health crisis.1

Teachers estimate that 53% of students they serve are struggling with their mental health.2

69% of students were struggling with isolation due to the pandemic.2

98% of educators said mental health challenges act as a barrier to children’s education.2

Teachers estimate that 53% of students they serve are struggling with their mental health.2

69% of students were struggling with isolation due to the pandemic.2

98% of educators said mental health challenges act as a barrier to children’s education.2

Why A Sense of Belonging and Connection Matters

A sense of belonging is a fundamental need for kids’ mental and physical well-being. One consistent finding in the research literature is that higher levels of belonging and connectedness predict lower levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms in young people and can affect their academic outcomes.3

Our Partners

On Our Sleeves is the national movement for children's mental health. Their mission is to give free expert-created resources to all U.S. communities so everyone can understand and promote mental health for children. Partnering together, we’ve created simple strategies and research-supported interventions.

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The Boos are Back

Nickelodeon is excited to partner with Mattel’s Monster High to tell inclusive stories that help kids feel proud of who they are and embrace others for who they are too.

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Past Partnerships

DoSomething.org is an international nonprofit that aims to inspire young people to create positive change in the world, both online and offline. Working with Monster High, DoSomething created resources to help students feel welcome in the new school year and bring communities together to foster belonging.

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In the month of October, for each Skulltimate Secrets Cleo DeNile Doll sold at Target, Mattel will donate $1 to DoSomething.org to help protect against loneliness and connect kids with supportive mental health tools!*

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* Offer valid through October 31, 2023, at participating Target stores and target.com. Open only to residents of the U.S/D.C. Excludes residents of South Carolina. No portion of the purchase is tax deductible. Offer dates may be extended in Mattel’s sole and absolute discretion. For any reason, including in the event of force majeure, Mattel reserves the right to suspend or cancel the promotion in its sole discretion. Visit DoSomething.org for more information about the organization.

1 Declaration of a National Emergency in Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Oct. 2021, American Academy of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Association, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
1 Protecting Youth Mental Health, The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory, Dec. 2021
1 Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation, May 2023, U.S. Surgeon General
2 Child Mental Health in Low-Income Communities Survey, First Book, 2022
3 Raniti et al., 2022, Olsson et al., 2013, Mindset Scholars Network
4 Raniti et al., 2022; Witherspoon et al., 2009
5 Diendorferet al., 2021