Google helps children to interact with parents in prison

Mass incarceration is a problem in the US – the country that represents 5% of world population but holds 25% world prisoner.

Children whom parents are in prison have the risk of depression 3 times higher than others with the problems of behavior disorders, according to a study by sociologist Professor Kristin Turney. There are approximately 2.7 million children in the United States have parents in prison.

African-American men are the most affected groups and children in this group had 7.5 times more likely to have their parents behind bars than white children.

Maya with many emotions when sending a letter to the father
Maya with many emotions when sending a letter to the father

Their messages were sent to all the father whom staying in jail on "Father's Day" with the support of Google.

"On the day my father come home, I would ..." – the 9-year-old Maya stopped and puts her hands on her face, unable to continue. Maya's father is taking a 25-years sentence in California prisons.

Maya was one of several children appeared on the "Father's Day" video which was sent to all the fathers in jail. This is a project made by the technology giant Google America called #Loveletters.

The project was implemented by Google and other non-profit organizations such as the Club and PlaceforGrace Pops to help children reach out to their parents in prison, as well as shine a light on the human toll of mass incarceration.

Google has been working with the California Department of Corrections to share the video to those kids’ father in prison.

Recently, Google's charities announced, they will focus on racial equity and will work with organizations to fight against mass incarceration. Also during this time, Google gave out $3 million to organize activities for racial justice.

"We would like to tear down the inadequacies and if there is a system must be dismantled, it was prison justice system" - David Drummond, Deputy director of Alphabet Group said.

The number of prisoners in the US rate high proportion in the world.
The number of prisoners in the US rate high proportion in the world.

From 1980 to 2012, the number of children in the United States having parents in prison has increased by 5 times, according to estimates of the sociologist Bryan Sykes and Becky Petit, mostly not related to violence.

The experience is traumatizing for children and can impact deeply into their lives. It also leads to abuse or violence, a study from the Annie E. Casey foundation said.

In the video, Maya with her haunting eyes ended the message with a kiss on the video camera. Besides this humanitarian project, Google has many other projects in order to save the woman is a victim of trafficking, etc.

Minh Nguyen

Other News

SK Group partners to build AI ecosystem in Vietnam

SK Group partners to build AI ecosystem in Vietnam

SK Innovation and SK Telecom signed MoUs with Nghe An province and the National Innovation Centre of Vietnam to advance AI ecosystem development and support the country’s long-term growth strategy.

Vietnam Research Excellence Fellowship for 2026-2030 approved

Vietnam Research Excellence Fellowship for 2026-2030 approved

Under the Vietnam Research Excellence Fellowship (VREF) for the 2026–2030 period, PhD students are identified as a core research force directly contributing to breakthroughs in sci-tech and innovation. Investing in top-tier doctoral candidates is more than workforce development, but a high-stakes strategic bet to forge a cohort of world-class scientists and technologists who can power Vietnam’s long-term economic ambitions.

Strategic tech must address practical challenges: PM

Strategic tech must address practical challenges: PM

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on March 28 said strategic technologies must tackle Vietnam’s practical challenges, while chairing a meeting of the Government’s Steering Committee for science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, and Project 06.

Ho Chi Minh City sets sights on becoming semiconductor hub

Ho Chi Minh City sets sights on becoming semiconductor hub

Ho Chi Minh City is stepping up efforts to attract investment from global leading groups and companies in the fields of electronic components, semiconductors and chip manufacturing as it seeks to position itself as a leading semiconductor industry hub in both the region and the world. 

Ho Chi Minh City launches upgraded technology exchange platform

Ho Chi Minh City launches upgraded technology exchange platform

The upgraded platform represents a comprehensive shift from a simple information-sharing model to a managed online technology trading system, enabling monitoring and measurement of real transaction outcomes. It is built on three pillars, namely new tradable technology products, a modern digital platform, and an improved operational model.

AI – unmissable opportunity for Vietnam: Experts

AI – unmissable opportunity for Vietnam: Experts

AI also emerges as a key enabler for Vietnam's ambition to build financial and technology hubs. Applications can boost efficiency, automate workflows, cut costs, and sharpen data analytics, which are essential pillars of a modern financial system.

PM calls for accelerated space technology development in Vietnam

PM calls for accelerated space technology development in Vietnam

Vietnam aims by 2030 to achieve a mid-level position in space science and technology development within Southeast Asia, and after 2030 to build national capabilities to independently develop satellite technologies and apply space data to address global challenges and national security needs.

High-level forum advances Vietnam–US technological cooperation

High-level forum advances Vietnam–US technological cooperation

A high-level executive leadership forum focusing on strengthening Vietnam - US relations through technology cooperation was jointly held in Washington D.C. on March 11 by the Embassy of Vietnam in the US, the Weatherhead East Asian Institute of Columbia University, and the US -ASEAN Business Council (USABC). 

AI Law takes effect, anchors national governance framework

AI Law takes effect, anchors national governance framework

While many countries are still drafting policy blueprints or issuing non-binding guidance, Vietnam has moved ahead with a standalone Law on Artificial Intelligence (AI), effective from March 1, placing it among a select group of nations to adopt dedicated AI legislation at the parliamentary level. 

Vietnam International Defence Expo 2026 preparations move into high gear

Vietnam International Defence Expo 2026 preparations move into high gear

Vietnam International Defence Expo 2026, themed “Peace, Friendship, Cooperation and Development,” will be organised on a larger scale, featuring a wide array of weapons and technical equipment alongside product exhibitions, seminars and panel discussions, drills, live field demonstrations, and business networking activities.

Ministry requests urgent measures to counter UAVs threatening aviation safety

Ministry requests urgent measures to counter UAVs threatening aviation safety

Ministry of Construction requested the Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of Public Security and provincial and municipal steering committees for counter-terrorism to strengthen the management, inspection and supervision of UAVs and other aerial devices, ensuring strict compliance with Decree No. 288/2025/ND-CP and relevant legal regulations.