5 Facts About Belonging as Kids Go Back to School

"Back-to-school season is an exciting time for students. But it's also a time for worry. New classrooms, teachers, and sometimes entirely new schools can trigger what psychologists call belonging uncertainty: the nagging question, Do I fit in here? (And sometimes, parents and teachers may be wondering the same things-for students and themselves.) The concept of belonging uncertainty was pioneered by psychologists Gregory Walton and Geoffrey Cohen."

"Belonging is a basic human need Our brains evolved for us to live in groups. For our prehistoric ancestors, exclusion was a matter of life and death. Ostracism from the tribe was one of the worst things that could happen, as we were left to our own devices to fend off sabre-toothed tigers, giant eagles, and the like. That's why our brains are still so sensitive to cues that implicate belonging (i.e., inclusion and exclusion)."

"Belonging uncertainty matters more than we might think. As I argue in my book, The Collective Edge: Unlocking the Secret Power of Groups, we often overlook the importance of groups and group dynamics in all walks of life. Whether it's on the playground or in the classroom, it is far too common for kids to feel excluded and alone. Here are five things about belonging to keep in mind as kids head back to school this fall."

Belonging is a basic human need rooted in evolutionary pressures to live in groups, making social exclusion psychologically powerful. Back-to-school transitions often trigger belonging uncertainty as students face new classrooms, teachers, and peer groups, raising the question, Do I fit in here? Certain groups, including racial minorities, are especially prone to belonging uncertainty. Group dynamics influence feelings of inclusion on playgrounds and in classrooms, and exclusion can leave kids feeling isolated. Parents, schools, and teachers can reduce belonging uncertainty by helping students feel seen, capable, and connected. Supporting parents also improves children's outcomes. Practical attention to belonging can mitigate worry and improve academic and social adjustment during the school year.

Read at Psychology Today