Building Resilience & Belonging

School TV Report

Building Resilience Post Pandemic

Unfortunately, the mental health of young people has been significantly impacted by the pandemic. As many families settle back into pre-COVID routines, there seems to be a pervasive sense of optimism about what lies ahead.

Unfortunately, children and teens are not immune to what is now being termed the “psychological pandemic”. Young people are at risk of not achieving the primary demands of developmental tasks such as procuring independence, identity formation, as well as developing and maintaining peer relationships. What adolescents and young people need most in the current environment is support, understanding, empathy, and encouragement from caring adults. They rise up or down to the expectations we set for them.

If there is a panacea to the adversity caused by the pandemic, then it is the building of resilience. Resilience is the capacity to face, overcome, be strengthened and transformed by dealing with adversity. Never before have parents needed the skills, the knowledge, and the strategies to build resilience in their children as much as they do now. There are seven integral and interrelated components that make up being resilient that can help adolescents and young people thrive and develop healthy coping strategies.

A report, with link following, explores the “7 C’s of Resilience” and includes suggested strategies on how adult carers can best facilitate them. 

The link to the Building Resilience Post Pandemic report https://aphs.sa.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-building-resilience-post-pandemic

Building Belonging Post Pandemic

Having a sense of belonging involves more than simply knowing other people. It is also focused on gaining acceptance, attention and support from others, as well as having the opportunity to reciprocate the same to other people.

When the pandemic interrupted our lives and changed the way we live, this meant that suddenly many of our young people’s main sources of connection with peers and extended family members was removed overnight without warning. As humans, we have a basic emotional and biological need for connection. It provides us with feelings of identity, security, support, acceptance and community.

Students who have a sense of belonging will experience these feelings which in turn supports their academic, psychological and social-emotional development. When young people come together again after a period of instability, there is a period of adjustment. Whilst the rules of the group may be established, acceptance remains paramount and can therefore mean some behaviours become far from rational, making it difficult for their brain to focus on things, such as learning. All these factors combined, leave young people open to being vulnerable. It can sometimes tempt them into making choices or becoming involved in situations they might not ordinarily consider.

As a result of the pandemic, there are still many young people struggling to connect and regain their sense of belonging. The report provides guidance to families who find themselves in this situation.

We hope you take a moment to reflect on the information in this article, and as always, we welcome your feedback. If this raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please seek medical or professional help. You can also ask to speak to one of our Wellbeing Leaders or a member of our Wellbeing Team, or make an appointment, by ringing Student Services on 08 8270 4455.

School TV is a free evidence-based resource for parents and students. Please click on the following link to access information including articles, short videos and more.

You can also access School TV directly through our school website, then clicking on the SchoolTV logo.