The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the social-emotional well-being of students. With schools transitioning back to in-person learning, educators are met with the challenge of addressing the diverse emotional needs of students who have undergone significant disruptions. Studies have shown a surge in feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and uncertainty among young learners as a result of the pandemic, underscoring the importance of social-emotional learning (SEL) in today’s educational landscape.
Research conducted by the American Psychological Association revealed an increase in mental health-related incidents among children and adolescents post-COVID, while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted a notable rise in mental health-related emergency department visits among children. In light of these findings, schools must adopt innovative and practical strategies to support students’ SEL needs, even amidst limited time and resources.
