Recent research from 2020 reports a concerning trend: 9.2% of children aged 3-17 were diagnosed with anxiety problems and 4.0% with depression - highlighting a significant rise in mental health issues among our children and pre-adolescents.
Overcoming challenges in childhood and pre-adolescence from academic pressures and social complexities is increasingly difficult.
The need to equip children and pre-teens with key life skills is undeniable.
Strong mental health and social-emotional skills are paramount as they directly shape their learning, growth, and thriving.
Building Strong Mental Health: Why Social-Emotional Skills Need to be Taught and Nurtured
Children and teens who struggle to self-regulate their emotions feel overwhelmed, affecting their reactions to the triggering situation.
Managing anger and distress is crucial to making good choices.
Teens with low self-esteem and high-stress levels are more likely to engage in risky behavior, underscoring the importance of developing skills that foster more thoughtful decision-making.
Practicing mindfulness, which refers to paying purposeful and nonjudgmental attention to the present moment, has proven beneficial.
Check out these teens’ testimonials in this video.
In addition to mindfulness, incorporating social-emotional learning practices addresses these underlying issues and prevents potential adverse outcomes.
What is Social Emotional Learning?
Researchers have described social-emotional learning (SEL) as a lifelong process in which individuals acquire the ability to establish and develop healthy relationships, which contribute to academic achievement and overall well-being.
Our children and teens most effectively internalize social-emotional learning skills by developing them early and consistently practicing them throughout their lives.
Benefits of Social-Emotional Learning
Imagine a future in which our children and teens consistently:
★ pay attention
★ collaborate with others
★ calm down in stressful times
★ demonstrate resilience when facing setbacks
★ build healthy relationships
★ show empathy for others
★ make good choices in life
★ contribute positively to their communities
Social-emotional learning is fundamental to achieving this vision.
Conclusion
By prioritizing social-emotional skills in our homes, schools, and communities,
we equip our children and pre-teens with the tools to navigate life's challenges with resilience, empathy, and purpose. The investment is not in vain.
So, let's empower them to thrive and champion social-emotional learning today!
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