DUBAI: Snap Inc. has launched its in-app mental health portal, Here For You, in the UAE in partnership with the UAE Digital Wellbeing Council.

Snapchat first launched the platform in March 2020 globally. Here For You provides support to Snapchat users who may be experiencing mental health or emotional crises, or who may be curious to learn more about these issues and how they can help friends and family that are dealing with them.

The National Program for Happiness and Wellbeing launched the UAE Digital Wellbeing Program in March 2018. Its online platform aims to provide tools and resources that help children, parents, educators, and the larger community in leading positive and safe digital lives.

The launch of the Here For You platform “comes in line with our goals of enhancing digital wellbeing among individuals and the community and encouraging the purposeful use of technology,” said Amal Al-Blooshi, director of UAE Digital Wellbeing at the Ministry of Community Development.

The launch of the portal will promote the values of being a positive digital citizen, resources on online privacy, and bullying prevention, Al-Blooshi added.

“Snapchatters appreciate our commitment to privacy and how it allows people to be themselves, without the pressure of being judged by others,” said Jake Thomas, head of the UAE market at Snap Inc.

The new portal has been designed to empower the community with self-help resources for individuals and their family and friends, he added.

Given that Snapchat reaches over 60 percent of 13-24-year-olds and one-third of 18-34-year-olds in the UAE, “we believe that the most impactful way we can provide support and education for young people is in-app,” said Thomas.

The portal will promote UAE Digital Wellbeing Council’s resources to users when they search for common mental health terms like anxiety, depression, and stress on Snapchat. These resources are designed to be easily shared so that users can help and support their family and friends.