According to the CDC, social and emotional learning (SEL) teaches young people the skills to recognize and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, appreciate the perspectives of others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. It is associated with decreases in suicide ideation and attempts, as well as increases in social and emotional skills, attitudes, behaviors, and academic performance.
Ensuring students are connected to their schools and families is an important protective factor to reduce risk factors that can lead to poor mental health, substance misuse, violence, HIV, STDs, and unintended pregnancy.
Social and emotional learning can help students build relationships with parents, teachers, coaches, and staff.
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/stories/mh_orange-county.htm
SEL Benefits Children and Adolescents in:
Preventing:
- Academic failure
- Suicide and self-harm
- Substance abuse
- School dropping-out
- Violence and other social aggression
- Bullying & teasing
- Alienation & social disconnection
- Emotional detachment
Promoting:
- Positive school climate & learning attitudes
- Improved academic performance
- Leadership abilities
- Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
- Understanding differences in others
- Rational and responsible decision-making
- Conflict management
- Coping skills
- Resiliency & Grit