Schools Can Tune Into Kids’ Mental Health To Detect Depression, Anxiety On App

Getting through high school should be considered an Olympic sport for some, as everyday challenges weigh teenagers down. We’ve all lived through those harrowing school years where life changes at a million miles an hour, and things we don’t understand come hurtling towards us with no way of reaching out. 
 
Here to aid teens in grappling with the effects of growing pains is an app called Maro.
 
Maro was first released in 2020 as an app for schools to help students keep on top of their mental state. But since the pandemic prevented its launch when virtual classes became the norm, the program was then aimed at parents to support navigate through the turbulent and challenging topics of mental health, sexuality, puberty, and more.
 

Parents were provided with trackers and an AI bot that generates advice and talking points to raise with their children when discussing a variety of topics.

‘Maro for Schools’ is finally launching to bring such help to counselors and teachers. In addition, the app will be able to screen students to evaluate if they may have depression or anxiety. But, of course, this won’t be done until consented to by parents or guardians.  
 
Lesson plans for teaching kids about the implications of poor mental health, sex education, drug usage, and other topics will be provided by the program for instructors. The app will also serve as a communication channel between teachers and guidance counselors. If it is determined that a child needs further assistance, they will be directed to one of Maro’s partners who offer outside online services.
 
According to TechCrunch, just ahead of its launch next week, 350 schools in 40 states have already signed up 100,000 students to get screened by the app.
 
 
 
[via TechCrunch and The Express Tribune, images via Maro]