The Importance of Connection, Belonging and Community in Schools as part of a Robust Strategy to Support Young People Staying in School and Returning.
As a therapist, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact that connection, belonging and community have on mental health. In an increasingly digital and fast-paced world, the importance of these elements cannot be overstated. These aspects are essential foundational pillars that not only support individual well-being, foster resilience and hope but also act as indicators of the potential success for children and adolescents in the future.
The Role of Connection and Belonging
Connection refers to the relationships we have with others, belonging is the feeling of being an important part of a community. Both are crucial for mental health, fostering self-esteem, and helping individuals navigate life’s challenges. When children feel connected to their peers, families, school and other communities, they are more likely to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. There has also been research showing that it can reduce the likelihood of tobacco and cannabis use and increase the likelihood of going on to further education and employment.
Research has shown that a strong sense of belonging can significantly reduce feelings of stress, loneliness and anxiety, which are often prevalent in today’s youth. This is particularly important in school settings, where children spend a significant portion of their time. When schools foster an environment of connection and belonging, they not only enhance students’ mental health but also improve academic performance and overall school climate.
It is a biological need for us to feel belonging and when we don’t have that sense of belonging, we can often look for it in unhealthy and unhelpful ways. We respond to emotional pain in the same areas of our brain as we do physical pain which is why loneliness and anxiety etc can feel so overwhelming and impactful.
4 Things that can hinder / influence our ability to feel a sense of belonging include:
Ability to build connections
Opportunities to build connections and participate
Motivation
Sense of safety within environment and community around us
Young people who for various reasons are not able to attend school, often feel isolated and as though they no longer belong within the school community which makes it much harder for them to return.
Supportive Strategies for Schools
Some Strategies Schools could think about as part of their strategy to Maintain Connection and support young people to feel they still belong to the school community to aid them to return are below:
1. Safe Spaces: Establish designated safe spaces within the school where students can go when they feel overwhelmed. These areas should be welcoming and staffed by trained personnel who can provide support and a listening ear.
2. Flexible Attendance Policies: Schools can consider flexible attendance options that allow children to engage with their classes remotely or part-time. This flexibility can help alleviate anxiety and encourage a gradual return to the classroom.
3. Student-Led Initiatives: Encourage students to take the lead in creating clubs, committees, or activities that reflect their interests and needs. This empowerment can foster a sense of ownership and belonging within the school community.
4. Time to Connect: Having longer lunchtimes e.g. 1 hour to provide time for young people to attend lunch time clubs or interact with friends without having to rush can provide the time needed for students to interact with more people.
5. Peer Mentoring Programs: Pairing students who are struggling with more socially confident peers can facilitate connection. Mentors can offer support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging, which can be instrumental in helping their peers feel more comfortable attending school.
6. Regular Check-ins: Teachers and school staff could prioritize regular check-ins with students who may be struggling. These one-on-one interactions can help identify any barriers to attendance and provide a space for students to express their feelings.
7. Inclusive Activities: Schools should create inclusive extracurricular activities that invite all students, especially those who may be hesitant to join. Offering a variety of clubs, sports, and social events can help students find their niche and feel more connected.
8. Sense of Safety: Ensure the school environment feels as safe as possible for young people not just physically but emotionally as well.
9. Community Engagement: Schools can foster connections with the broader community by partnering with local organisations for events and activities. This not only helps students feel a sense of belonging beyond the school walls but also enhances their support network.
10. Parental Involvement: Engaging parents in the school community can strengthen the support system for children. Schools can host workshops or events that encourage parents to participate in their child’s education and social life.In conclusion, fostering connection, belonging, and community is essential for maintaining positive mental health, particularly in children and adolescents. Schools play a pivotal role in this process. By implementing strategies that prioritize connection, we can create a supportive environment where every student feels valued and understood. In turn, this can lead to improved mental health outcomes, resilience, and a brighter future for our youth.
As we continue to navigate the complexities of mental health, let us remember that we are not alone in this journey. Together, through connection and community Youth Trauma Allies can be pivotal in supporting young people through distress and into brighter more empowered futures.
We would love to hear from you if you have experiences of good practice where belonging has been positively fostered within your community or school. Equally if you would like to know how Youth Trauma Allies can support you or your organisation to develop a Belonging Policy or Strategies, we would love to chat to you so please get in touch.
