Protective Factor: Opportunities for Prosocial Involvement at School

If you have school-aged children and teenagers, they will be returning to school very shortly. Routines will shift, school work will become a regular thing, and perhaps new friendships will be made. 

“It's one of my favorite seasons of the year: back to school.” - Dana Perino

Prosocial activities are those activities that foster building relationships and skills such as cooperation, leadership, and build friendships. School provides a variety of options for children to get involved in a variety of prosocial activities: the arts, sports, clubs, and robotics teams, to name just a few. VNA Health states, “When a kid has healthy self-esteem and a sense of belonging, it directly affects their psychological and mental health. One study found that young adults who regularly participated in extracurricular activities showed lower levels of anxiety and depression and higher levels of satisfaction with life.”

“It is not what is poured into a student but what is planted that counts.” - E.P. Bertin

Some children gravitate toward prosocial activities at school. Other young people might need a nudge of encouragement. Parents and guardians can assess if their child is involved in activities at school or outside of school. Do they have a close friend or two or are they wanting more friends? Talk to your child to find out what interests them. You can reach out  to your child’s teacher or school counselor to explore what opportunities exist at school. Find an activity that reflects your child’s passions and talents and allows them to explore. These prosocial activities will provide your child the opportunity to develop new skills and habits they will take with them throughout life.