Student Wellbeing

Introducing Art Therapy Pleacement Student Leslie Wilks

Supporting secondary school students through their transition to a new academic year and helping them make good choices, especially in friendships, is crucial for their growth and well-being. Here are a few strategies to help them navigate this stage:

1. Fostering Self-Awareness

Encourage students to reflect on their values, interests, and goals. By helping them understand who they are and what they stand for, they will be better equipped to make decisions that align with their personal beliefs. Encourage journaling or open conversations about self-discovery.

2. Promoting Healthy Friendships

• Quality over Quantity: Teach students that having a few close, trustworthy friends is more important than having many superficial connections. Help them recognize what a positive friendship looks like, which includes trust, respect, and support.
• Setting Boundaries: It’s important to educate students on how to set healthy boundaries in friendships. They should know when to say "no" or distance themselves from toxic influences.
• Peer Pressure: Equip students with strategies to deal with peer pressure, such as standing firm in their decisions and seeking help when they feel uncertain or influenced negatively by others.

3. Encouraging Open Communication

Create an environment where students feel comfortable discussing their friendships and the challenges they face. Encourage them to talk to trusted adults, teachers, coaches, family friends/relatives or school wellbeing team members if they need guidance on social issues or peer relationships. It can also be helpful to have group discussions about common concerns or experiences.

4. Teaching Problem-Solving Skills

Help students develop strong decision-making skills by discussing real-life scenarios with them. Teach them how to evaluate the consequences of their actions and to think critically about how their choices might affect others. Role-playing or case studies can be a fun and practical way to practice these skills.

5. Role of Adults and Mentors

Encourage the presence of supportive adults in their lives, like parents, teachers, or coaches, or family friends/relatives, who can offer guidance and be role models. Mentorship programs or peer leaders can also help students navigate social challenges by offering advice and setting positive examples.

6. Resilience and Coping Strategies

Equip students with coping strategies for handling challenges in friendships, such as conflict resolution, seeking support when needed, and learning how to let go of unhealthy relationships. Resilience-building activities, such as mindfulness, stress management techniques, and encouraging positive self-talk, can empower them during tough times.

7. Involving Students in Extracurricular Activities

Encourage participation in extracurricular activities like sports, clubs, or volunteer opportunities. These environments often foster collaboration, teamwork, and new friendships, allowing students to form bonds outside of the typical peer group and discover new interests.

By helping students develop a strong sense of self and offering guidance on how to form healthy friendships, they are better equipped to make thoughtful decisions and navigate this important phase in their lives.