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Connections are one of the cornerstones of community, health and well-being. Connectedness provides a sense of being cared for, supported, belonging, and closeness with others. Among youth, a supportive social network and connections with parents and caregivers, teachers, and peers has been shown to improve mental health and lifetime outcomes.
Each Giving Season, SEWI launches its annual Building Connections campaign in order to ensure that our organization can continue helping youth and their families build and strengthen connections to each other. Learn more about our work and how you can take action to help build connections with young people in your own life.
The Importance of Connections for Young People
Youth are currently facing a mental health crisis, and part of this stems from the fact that young people are feeling more disconnected and hopeless than ever before. While it’s no secret that young people are facing a myriad of challenges, research shows that fostering connections can ultimately reduce the risk of mental health disorders and improve mental well-being.
Research has shown that adolescents who report feeling connected at home or at school are as much as 66% less likely to experience health risk behaviors related to sexual health, substance use, and violence and to have better mental health in adulthood than less connected peers. Additionally, having strong, positive relationships with parents and trusted adults acts as a protective factor against a range of negative health conditions and lifetime outcomes, including:
Depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders
Alcohol and drug use
Isolation and lonelinessÂ
Suicide and suicide ideation
Every time we build a relationship—whether it’s with friends, family, school administrators, or mentors—we create a support system. For young people, having a network of positive connections means they have someone to turn to during tough times. This support can help them feel understood, valued, and less alone. Some of the benefits of building connections include:
Emotional Support: When youth experience ups and downs, having someone who genuinely listens can make all the difference.Â
Academic Success. Youth who feel connected to their school are more likely to have better academic success and engage in healthy behaviors.
Boosted Confidence: Connections in safe environments can empower youth, helping them develop a positive self-image.
Enhanced Coping Skills: Sharing experiences with others fosters resilience and equips them to navigate life’s challenges in healthy and effective ways.
Strengthening Connections With Children in Your Household
Children and adolescents need strong connections with adults now more than ever. As a parent or caregiver, you have the power to make a positive impact on your child’s mental health and wellbeing. Be intentional about making every day an opportunity to grow your bond with your child and build connections in new and exciting ways. Some ways you can do this include:
Have Regular Check-Ins: Find time each day to check-in, such as during breakfast, in the car, or at dinner. Ask open-ended questions to your child that require more than a one-word reply. Be curious about your child’s experiences and validate their emotions. The goal is to create a safe space where they can share their thoughts without judgment.
Participate in Their Interests: Does your child love a particular video game, sport, or artistic hobby? Dive in and join them! Not only will you learn about something they love, but you’ll also show them that you care enough to be involved.
Share Your Own Stories: Vulnerability and authenticity are powerful ways to grow relationships. Share your own experiences about and how you overcame certain obstacles. It can remind your child that everyone struggles sometimes, and it's perfectly okay not to have everything figured out.
Encourage Friendships: Facilitate opportunities for them to connect with peers—throw a pizza party or organize a game night. Creating an environment where their friends can mingle will foster those social connections!
Be Present: Put down your phone and really listen. Whether it’s attending a school function or simply being there after school, your presence speaks volumes. It shows them they're a priority in your life.
If you would like more activities to help build connections with young people in your life, you can download our Building Connections toolkits, which were created to help parents/caregivers as well as educators and youth-serving professionals build vital connections.
Download Building Connections Toolkit for Parents and Caregivers here
Download Building Connections Toolkit for Youth-Serving Professionals here
How You Can Support #BuildingConnections
At the end of the day, fostering connections is about building trust, understanding, and a sense of belonging. By taking steps to strengthen our relationships with the youth in our lives, we’re not only supporting their mental health but also instilling values of empathy and resilience.
Remember, making a positive impact on youth mental health can extend beyond those in your inner circle. This Giving Season, you have the power to create change in your local communities by helping youth stay connected to caring adults and mental health resources so they can thrive. In the past year, donations from supporters like you have helped our team provide:
1,109 youth with free mental health support
768 educators and youth development professionals with trainings on how to promote social and emotional wellness among youth
We need your help to continue this crucial work. Your generous donation will help us strengthen community ties, empower individuals, and create lasting change. Every dollar counts and brings us closer to our shared goals. Donate to our Building Connections campaign to create lasting change and a positive impact in the lives of youth across Southern California. Together, we can build a future where our youth thrive and feel supported.
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