Student Wellbeing

What is School Belonging?

School belonging, sometimes called school connectedness, is the feeling that students get when they know they are valued, liked by their teachers, and feel they truly matter in the school community. Research shows that this sense of connection gives students an immediate boost to their mental health and wellbeing.

But school belonging isn’t just about feeling good, it brings some very real benefits. Students who feel connected at school are more likely to succeed academically, maintain better mental health, and enjoy stronger social relationships during their teenage years. A strong sense of belonging even acts as a protective shield against anxiety and depression. The OECD has identified school belonging as a key factor in tackling loneliness and supporting student wellbeing worldwide, based on the latest PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) results.

The Long Term Benefits of School Belonging

Even more exciting is the research showing that the positive effects of school belonging can last well beyond graduation. Findings from the Australian Temperament Project, a major study following individuals from infancy into adulthood, revealed that teenagers who felt connected at school reported fewer mental health challenges right through their twenties.

In short: feeling a strong sense of belonging at school can provide lasting protection against depression, anxiety, and stress, long after students leave the classroom.

How We Can Foster School Belonging

So how can we help our children feel a stronger sense of belonging at school?

Students are more likely to thrive when:

• They build positive, supportive relationships with their teachers
• They have the opportunity to spend time with friends during class
• They see a clear purpose for their education and can imagine a future pathway through school.

Helping Our Children Feel They Belong at Park Orchards Primary

At Park Orchards Primary School, we believe that every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and connected at school, because when kids feel like they belong, they thrive.

If your child is finding it hard to feel positive about school, it can affect not just today, but their future too. That’s why it’s so important for families and teachers to work as a team. By building strong relationships and encouraging positive connections, we can help every student feel like they are a valued part of our school community.

Belonging isn't just about fitting in, it's key to wellbeing, happiness, and success at school and beyond.

If you’d like more ideas on how to support your child's sense of belonging, check out the Happy Families podcast episode #953: From the Doctor’s Desk, linked below.

This article is based on the work of Dr. Justin Coulson, Screens, Schools & Social Connection, from 

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