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Selena Gomez Will Judge the Doodle for Google Contest for Kids to Encourage Good Mental Health Practices

Selena Gomez with her half-sister. Photo: Instagram.com/selenagomez

Amid the buzz of her potentially hosting this year’s Oscars, Selena Gomez has taken on a new role. The singer and actor has signed on as one of the celebrity judges helping to pick the winners of this year’s Doodle for Google contest. Given that she’s a known mental health advocate who has been open about her own battle with anxiety and depression in the past, the role is in line with Gomez’s activism and the contest’s theme: “I care for myself by…”

The competition invites children from kindergarten through 12th grade (in the US, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands) to put their creative spin on Google’s unmistakable logo as per the theme. The school kids will also be asked to share how they take care of themselves, mainly their minds, bodies, and spirits, while facing everyday challenges. Students can use any material or medium, provided it can be photographed or displayed in a two-dimensional format. They will also be asked to explain their thought process behind the Doodle and how it represents their inner strength. A US $30,000 college scholarship and a $50,000 technology award for their school are in stock for the winner of the contest which will run through 11:59pm PT on March 4.

“I can’t wait to learn how students across the country are approaching mental health and self-care,” announced Gomez via Twitter. “I know firsthand how scary and lonely it can feel to face the pressure of the world alone, especially at a young age,” she said in an accompanying video. “That’s why I started the Rare Impact Fund with the goal of raising US $100 million for mental health education, particularly in underserved communities. And it’s great that Google is joining us in this mission!”

Google’s description of this year’s theme reads, “We all have a lot going on – and now more than ever, it’s important for us to take care of our bodies and minds. What are your favorite things to do that make you feel better when you’re feeling down? How do you take a break? What activities make you feel calm or give you energy? What or who brings joy to your heart? Our theme this year invites you to share how you nurture your mind, body, and/or spirit as you face the opportunities and challenges every new day brings.”

Gomez will be joining other judges including fellow mental health advocate and Sad Girls Club founder Elyse Fox and 2021 National Teacher of the Year special education teacher Juliana Urtubey.

Read Next: Selena Gomez Shares the 3 Things She Does on Her Worst Mental Health Days

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