Dr Asha Pemberton
Teenhealth.tt@gmail.com
For our tweens, teens and children, the return to school after two years of online or hybrid education has commenced. Over the past week everyone has had to rapidly readjust to earlier mornings, uniforms and back-packs as well as the rigours of the daily commute. Already, parents and young people alike have described feelings of disorientation, fatigue and even fear. As we re-establish the routines of physical school and the many dimensions of school life, it is important to recognise the additional benefits of school connectedness and engagement on overall holistic teen health.
Parents want their teens to do well in life and thrive. In addition to obtaining a solid foundation, the ultimate goal of parenting adolescents is to help young people engage in healthy activities and avoid behaviours that are risky or harmful. In these ways they enter adulthood equipped to function independently and contribute meaningfully to their lives and their wider community. Parenting has a significant influence on teen health but there are many other important allies that contribute to teen wellbeing. Research shows that adolescents who feel a genuine sense of belonging at school are more likely to perform to their best ability, stay in school, and make healthy choices. This sense of belonging is often described as school connectedness. Connected students believe their parents, teachers, school staff, and other students in their school care about them and about how well they are learning. They recognise positive expectations to which they are held and feel more motivated to apply themselves to goals.
Some of the outcomes of school connectedness include:
• Better grades and test outcomes
• More consistent school attendance and less truancy
• Higher likelihood of further education, training or university
• Lower rates of alcohol and substance use
• Less likelihood of violent behaviour and carrying weapons
• Better emotional health and self esteem
A strong feeling of belonging to school, engagement in school-based activities, strong relationship to teachers and school staff as well as a sense of school pride are all components of school connectedness.
Increasing your teen's connection to school
• Encourage your teen to talk openly with you about any concerns they are experiencing at school. Whether related to classroom dynamics, peer interactions, bullying or even safety. Engage them frequently and without judgement so that you remain updated on their experiences. It is not infrequent that a particular school environment is not suited to a teenager. If this arises, be proactive in exploring other options to make moves in the best interest of your child.
• Be involved. Parents should take the time to find out what the school expects of your teen regarding activities, assignments and responsibilities. As your teen grows, it is usual that more self-directed learning and organisation are expected. Through parent-teacher meetings and keeping updated with letters
