Sesame Workshop well-being initiative supports behavioral health needs of children

Mental Health Awareness Month in May raises awareness of the impact that mental health challenges have on over 50 million Americans.¹ The observance was created in 1949 by Mental Health America as an opportunity for individuals and organizations to recognize and advocate for those facing these challenges.² Specific to children, mental health conditions are characterized as significant changes in learning ability, behavior or emotional regulation, resulting in distress throughout the day.³ Children are most commonly diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety and behavior disorders. One in 6 U.S. children aged 2–8 years are diagnosed with mental, behavioral or developmental disorders.

Dedicated to the mental health needs of children in the U.S., UnitedHealthcare is investing in Sesame Workshop’s multi-year, emotional well-being initiative for children. Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit organization behind Sesame Street and other educational children’s programs and resources. Its new research-based media focuses on emotional well-being, literacy, STEM, creativity and playful problem solving.

The emotional well-being initiative features English and Spanish versions of eight animated videos, six Muppet videos, four printables, a digital storybook, an article and a listicle (an article written in a list format). These resources launched on sesame.org during Mental Health Awareness Month and address a variety of topics including the connection between mental and physical health, the role of counselors, self-soothing techniques and the importance of nutrition, sleep and movement.

This initiative is supported by research which shows that equipping children with coping skills can help them develop resilience so they can react positively to change and obstacles in life, allowing greater mental, social and academic success.⁴ Further research has found that children who have effective coping strategies are better able to regulate their emotions, promoting healthy family and social relationships.⁵

Sherrie Westin, President and Interim CEO of Sesame Workshop, commented, “The mental health crisis we’re facing today is top of mind for so many, yet its impact on children is too often overlooked” We know developing a healthy mind, body and heart starts early, and the presence of supportive, caring adults in children’s lives makes a world of difference in their emotional well-being and understanding of how to identify and seek help when they may be experiencing overwhelming emotions.”

Committed to supporting the well-being of children in the U.S., UnitedHealthcare’s investment in Sesame Workshop’s well-being initiative will help children develop emotional regulation skills and build an awareness of healthy mental and physical practices.