Summary of Issue
- Developing Social Skills: Pre-teens are learning to navigate complex social interactions, which can be challenging.
- Peer Pressure: Social dynamics and peer pressure can lead to feelings of exclusion and isolation.
- Global Events: Current global events can create the stress and anxiety that can pull us away from those who can support us and help build resilience.
- Mental Health: Increasing academic and social pressures can impact mental health and social well-being.
Introduction
Pre-teen children, typically aged 9 to 12, are at a crucial stage in their social development. This period involves navigating friendships, peer pressure, and increasing academic expectations. These challenges can lead to feelings of isolation and difficulty in forming meaningful connections. Understanding these barriers and finding ways to address them can help pre-teens build strong social skills and improve their overall well-being.
Why the Barrier Exists
Several factors contribute to the social disconnection and reduced social health experienced by pre-teens:
- Developing Social Skills: Pre-teens are still learning how to navigate friendships and social dynamics, which can be difficult.
- Peer Pressure: The desire to fit in with peers can lead to stress and feelings of exclusion.
- Bullying: Negative interactions, both in person and online, can significantly affect self-esteem and social engagement.
- Global Events: Crucial experiences for young people developing social skills and connections being disrupted by the COVID pandemic have reduced the opportunity to practice social connections with others.
- Mental Health: Anxiety and stress from school and social interactions can impact a child’s ability to connect with others.
Recommended Solutions
To reduce the negative impact of these barriers on social connections and social health, consider these strategies:
- Encourage Extracurricular Activities: Participate in sports, arts, and clubs to build new friendships and develop social skills.
- Promote Open Communication: Create an environment where pre-teens feel comfortable discussing their feelings and challenges.
- Teach Empathy and Respect: Encourage children to understand and respect others’ perspectives, which can improve social interactions.
- Monitor Online Activity: Guide pre-teens on safe and respectful online behavior to prevent cyberbullying and promote positive interactions.
- Seek Professional Support: If needed, access counseling or support groups to address mental health issues.
By encouraging extracurricular activities, promoting open communication, teaching empathy, and monitoring online activity, pre-teens can overcome social isolation and build stronger, more meaningful connections.
Community Resources/Solutions
To help manage the impact of these barriers, various organizations and groups provide support and opportunities for social connection for pre-teens:
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Canada
- Description: Offers programs and services to support the development of children and youth.
- How it Helps: Provides safe spaces for social interaction, skill development, and recreational activities.
- Contact Information: Email: [email protected]
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada
- Description: Provides mentoring programs for children to help them achieve their full potential.
- How it Helps: Matches pre-teens with mentors who offer guidance, support, and friendship.
- Contact Information: Visit website for local chapter details.
- Girl Guides of Canada
- Description: Empowers girls to discover new interests and develop leadership skills.
- How it Helps: Provides programs and activities that promote social connections and personal growth.
- Contact Information: Email: [email protected]
- YMCA Canada
- Description: Offers programs and services to support youth development and community engagement.
- How it Helps: Provides recreational activities, leadership programs, and social opportunities.
- Contact Information: Visit website for local branch details.
- GenWell
- Description: Is Canada’s Human Connection Movement and is working to educate, empower and catalyze Canadians around the importance of their social health.
- How it Helps: They provide tips, tools, resources and campaigns that can inspire social connection for all Canadians
- Contact Information: Visit website at www.GenWell.ca for more information.
- Kids Help Phone
- Description: Provides 24/7 support and counseling for youth in Canada.
- How it Helps: Offers mental health support, crisis intervention, and resources for pre-teens.
- Contact Information: Phone: 1-800-668-6868
Further Reading
- “Children, Youth and Anxiety” published by the Canadian Mental Health Association.
- “Children, Youth and Depression” published by the Canadian Mental Health Association.