For students who are having a difficult time excelling in school, building trust with teachers and caring adults can help them cultivate confidence and a sense of belonging in academic settings. In a new KQED article, Co-Executive Director Andrew Fuligni explains that “adolescents are building an identity, which involves discovering things that you are good at,” and “many students mistakenly believe that academic ability is fixed rather than a developed skill.” By cultivating a growth culture in the classroom and providing positive feedback and affirmation, adults can help students cement a sense of belonging that can benefit their academic success and overall wellbeing.
NSCA member Candice Odgers is cited in Forbes explaining that research suggests broader societal challenges may have a more significant impact on teen wellbeing than social media. The article proposes that social media companies can help support positive mental health in teens by giving platform users more choices, providing evidence-based supports, and creating approachable solutions.
NSCA Member Candice Odgers spoke with Scientific American about how although COVID took an emotional and educational strain on children and teens they are far from a ‘lost generation.’ “There’s a resilience story to be told from this,” says Odgers.
