According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in four people worldwide will experience mental health problems at some point in their lives, and many of these issues develop during childhood. Early intervention is paramount to giving young people the best start in life.
Primary schools have a vital role to play in supporting children’s mental health – equipping them the skills they need to recognise their emotions and set healthy habits to promote good mental health.
Social action is a perhaps lesser known, but incredibly powerful tool, in promoting positive mental health among children. In this blog post, we will explore how social action can boost children’s mental health.
What is social action and how can it be embedded within school life?
Social action refers to the efforts of individuals or groups to create positive social change.
We believe that with the right tools, children can change the world. Not just one day, but right now.
There are hundreds of ways through which schools and their students can take part in social action. You could organise a food donation drive, volunteer time to clean up local streets and beaches, write letters to local MPs to ask for more trees to be planted in the local council, or raise money for charity.
Check out SuperKind to find heaps of inspiration and toolkits for how to take action.
SuperKind is a 100% not-for-profit organisation dedicated to educating, inspiring, and empowering children and their schools to take action for the world around them.
How can social action benefit children’s mental health?
- Developing a sense of purpose
Participating in social action can give children a sense of purpose and a feeling of accomplishment. When children engage in activities that benefit others, they experience a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction that can boost their self-esteem and improve their mental health.
- Building social connections
Social action can also help children build social connections and develop strong relationships with others. This is important because social isolation can lead to depression and anxiety, while strong social connections have been shown to improve mental health outcomes. Participating in social action allows children to meet new people, work as part of a team, and develop friendships with those who share their values and interests.
- Learning empathy and compassion
Social action can also help children develop empathy and compassion for others. When children engage in activities that benefit others, they are more likely to understand the needs and experiences of those around them. This understanding can help them become more compassionate and empathetic, which can improve their relationships with others and their overall mental health.
- Building resilience
Social action can also help children build resilience, which is the ability to bounce back from challenges and adversity. When children engage in social action, they learn how to overcome obstacles and persevere in the face of difficulties. This can help them develop the resilience they need to navigate the challenges of life and maintain positive mental health.
- Fostering a sense of community
Finally, social action can foster a sense of community and belonging. When children participate in activities that benefit their community, they feel a sense of connection to those around them. This sense of community can help children feel more secure and supported, which can improve their mental health outcomes.
Social action can be a powerful tool in promoting positive mental health among children. By engaging in activities that benefit others, children can develop a sense of purpose, build social connections, learn empathy and compassion, build resilience, and foster a sense of community. As parents, educators, and community leaders, we can all play a role in encouraging and supporting children’s participation in social action activities, and in doing so, help promote their mental health and well-being.
About the Author
Anoushka Freeman is Head of Operations at SuperKind. She manages SuperKind’s relationships with schools and visits schools to talk to students about how they can start their change-making journey. She loves observing first-hand the benefits that taking social action has on children – developing skills and values of passion, empathy, self-confidence, resilience, kindness, and so much more! Get in touch via email on hello@superkind.org to book Anoushka to talk at your school presentation today!