Children’s Mental Health Week: Education training experts share tips for parents and teachers

Children’s Mental Health Week runs from Feb 9-15 this year. This year’s theme of ‘This is My Place’ aims to spread the message that everyone deserves to feel like they have a place where they are accepted, cared for and loved.

Here, leading e-learning company, High Speed Training share top tips for parents and teachers on creating a sense of belonging for children and young people.

For many children and young people, school is their most impactful social arena. When this arena is inclusive, children feel welcomed and encouraged to reach new heights, build bridges, and “find their tribe.” Conversely, a lack of belonging can leave children feeling isolated, alienated, and unworthy.

Dr. Richard Anderson, Learning Experience Director at High Speed Training said: “Fostering a sense of belonging is integral to helping a child feel positively about school, their peers and, more importantly, themselves. A true sense of belonging must be accompanied by acceptance for who someone is, rather than who they are pretending to be. 

“When children feel they have to ‘fit in’ by changing themselves, it can have an incredibly detrimental impact on their mental health. By creating environments where children feel safe to be their authentic selves, we instil an appreciation for community that stays with them for a lifetime.”

What is a sense of belonging among children and young people?

A sense of belonging in school refers to feeling like a valued part of the school community. When children have a strong sense of belonging, they are sure of their place within the school ecosystem and feel supported to be themselves.

It is important to distinguish between belonging and fitting in. While fitting in requires an individual to assess a group and change their behaviour to be accepted, true belonging does not require anyone to change who they are.

A strong sense of belonging helps students to:

• Feel motivated and confident.
• Build stronger, healthier relationships.
• Develop resilience against challenges.
• Experience less loneliness and anxiety.

How to create a sense of belonging for children and young people

Teachers and parents play a vital role in mirroring inclusive behaviour. High Speed Training recommends the following strategies to help children find “their place”:

• Utilise Inclusive Games: Games encourage students to work toward a common goal. 
• Encourage Extracurricular Activities: Joining sports teams, choirs, or clubs allows students to form connections outside the formal classroom structure. 
• Facilitate “Bridge-Building” Activities: Use simple tools, such as passing a toy, to help students share their weekend hobbies. 
• Education and Awareness: Many children may not realise their anxiety is rooted in a lack of belonging. Educating them on the benefits of community helps them understand their feelings and encourages them to seek out authentic connections.
• Collaborative Fundraising: Involving students in choosing a charity and planning fundraising events encourages the entire school community to come together for a shared cause.

For more tips and in-depth guidance, visit High Speed Training Hub, or our article: Creating a Sense of Belonging in School