DETROIT – Building connections in the classroom is critical for children’s mental health and academic success, but a new survey found that many parents believe technology -- including social media -- is making it harder for children to make those decisions.
“Half of the parents we spoke to feel that technology is getting in the way of children connecting with their school and their peers and teachers,” said Dr. Ariana Hoet, a pediatric psychologist and director at The Kids Mental Health Foundation. “Parents nowadays, they have a really tough choice, because if we keep kids off of social media, they may be left out, right? Kids are having conversations on social media, and if my child’s not on it, then they’re not being included. But then also, if they are on social media, they may be doing less in-person things. And so it’s about finding a healthy use.”
Some children may feel left out, which Hoet said is normal for developing kids.
“It’s part of growing up,” Hoet said. “Unfortunately, we know that kids who are from diverse backgrounds or from the LGBTQ community feel that even more.”
Hoet said teachers and parents can do more to help children make those critical connections.
“We can help kids feel like they belong, and a big part of it is giving kids that opportunity,” Hoet said. “So we want to encourage after-school activities. We want to encourage being a part of the school community.”
That means attending school events and getting to know their teachers and peers.
“The more a child feels like they fit in, it’s not just great for their mental health, but it’s protective,” Hoet said. “It helps them get through stressors that may come up throughout the school year.”
Children who feel like they belong at school perform better academically and live healthier lives.
Studies find teachers actually have the most power in helping students make connections at school because they’re the ones who see those daily interactions in school.
The Kids Mental Health Foundation has tons of free resources for teachers and parents to help children boost their sense of belonging. You can find those resources here.