The value of social and emotional learning (SEL) among youth has never been more clear in promoting well-being and ensuring continued success throughout life. Research implicates that SEL skills—such as emotional awareness, empathy, self-regulation, and thoughtful, responsible decision-making—are increasingly recognized as significant predictors of academic and career success. Moreover, these skills are also imperative for navigating difficult emotions, interpersonal relationships, and satisfaction across various domains of life. 

Read on to explore the importance of social emotional learning for your child and how you can best support them in this pivotal area. 

What Is Social Emotional Learning?

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is an educational framework that aims to develop students’ social and emotional skills. It encompasses the process through which youth acquire and develop necessary skills to identify, manage and modulate their emotions, establish positive relationships, and make thoughtful, responsible decisions. SEL is instrumental for nurturing well-rounded individuals who are socially and emotionally aware, and equipped to thrive academically and personally.

What Are the Five Areas of Social Emotional Learning?

The five areas of SEL include the following domains, each having an instrumental role. 

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• Self-Awareness: Recognizing one’s emotions, strengths, and limitations. This includes identifying one’s own feelings, as well as understanding the relationship between behavior, thoughts and emotions. 
• Self-Management: Regulating one’s emotions and behaviors in various situations. This encompasses behavioral and cognitive coping skills, relaxation, positive self-talk, and mindfulness. 
• Social Awareness: Understanding and appreciating the feelings and perspectives of others. This includes identifying the feelings and perspectives of others, developing empathy, as well as recognizing the value in individual differences, including culture. 
• Relationship Skills: Building and maintaining healthy relationships through effective communication and teamwork. This also includes assertiveness and social skills. 
• Responsible Decision-Making: Making ethical and constructive choices about personal and social behavior. This includes thoughtful problem-solving steps, identifying the issue, what is in the individual’s control, those who can support the youth in navigating this problem, and utilizing appropriate coping skills. 

Why Is Social Emotional Learning Important?

Social and emotional learning holds great importance for several reasons. SEL has been shown to have the following implications, underscoring its profound effects: 

• Predictor of Success: Research has demonstrated that social and emotional skills are strong predictors of improved mental health and academic success. Students equipped with SEL skills tend to navigate challenges more and work collaboratively with peers.
• Improved School Climate: SEL programs contribute to cultivating a caring, fair and safe classroom environment, promoting empathy, and enhancing prosocial behaviors among students and teachers. 
• Positive Relationships: Engaging in SEL helps students form positive relationships with teachers and their peers, as it improves their emotional perception and awareness, which can lead to a more supportive and enriched educational experience. 
• Enhanced Academic Performance: Evidence suggests that students who participate in SEL interventions show significantly improved school functioning and academic achievement. According to a 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis published in The Journal of Child Development, universal school-based SEL interventions yielded novel findings. Students who participated in USB SEL interventions reported significantly improved peer relationships, academic success, and overall attitudes and behaviors. Participants included students in kindergarten through 12th grade available from 2008 through 2020. The sample included  575,361 students from 424 studies from over 50 countries, reflecting 252 discrete USB social emotional learning interventions.  Findings showed that students who participated in USB SEL interventions reported significantly improved peer relationships, academic success, and overall attitudes and behaviors. 

How Can Social Emotional Learning Benefit Your Child?

SEL can significantly enrich your child’s educational experience and personal development. Some of the benefits include:

• Better Problem-Solving Skills: By engaging with SEL practices, students learn to approach challenges thoughtfully and collaboratively.
• Enhanced Emotional Wellbeing: SEL encourages the perception and appropriate expression of emotions, helping students develop resilience and coping strategies for emotional difficulty and perceived stress. Research underscores the role of neuroplasticity, not only in childhood, but throughout life. Improving a child’s social emotional learning therefore can have vast implications on the healthy development of their brain, having various stemming effects in other areas of their life.
• Preparation for Life Beyond School: Equipping young people with social and emotional competencies prepares them for life in complex social environments beyond high school, facilitating successful navigation of interpersonal relationships and career paths. Moreover, it supports children in improving awareness and regulation of their own emotions.

How Is Social Emotional Learning Taught in School?

Schools and educators implement SEL through various programs, directly integrating these skills into the academic curriculum and extracurricular activities. SEL is taught through:

• Dedicated SEL Curriculum that includes lessons focused on emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and relationship building.
• Classroom Activities that encourage collaboration among students, promote dialogue, and foster an inclusive environment.
• Professional Development for educators, ensuring they have the tools and training necessary to support students in achieving their social and emotional goals.

Recent evidence-based studies, such as a 2022 randomized controlled trial published in The Journal of Youth & Adolescence highlights the effectiveness of SEL programs in improving student well-being and academic performance, especially in low-resourced school districts.  

This research demonstrated that students involved in social and emotional learning programs perceived their classrooms to be more thoughtful and caring, as well as reported improved levels of empathy and prosocial behaviors. These findings underscore the value in social emotional learning for improved success in school and overall mental health.

How Can You Support Your Child with Social Emotional Learning?

Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in supporting SEL at home. Here are some practical strategies:

• Model SEL Skills: Demonstrate effective emotional awareness, communication, empathy, and conflict resolution in everyday interactions with your child and others.  
• Discuss Emotions Openly: Encourage your child to express their feelings and discuss their emotional experiences. Ask questions about their day and how they felt during specific interactions. Do your best to remain curious, empathetic and validate their experience. 
• Encourage Team Activities: Involve your child in group sports or community projects that offer opportunities to develop relationship skills and collaborative abilities.
• Create a Safe Environment: Ensure your environment at home is supportive and understanding, allowing your child to feel safe sharing their thoughts and feelings openly, without fear or judgment. Do your best to be emotionally attuned to your child, while encouraging them to share their emotions with you, no matter how difficult. 

Next Steps

Supporting your child with social and emotional learning requires ongoing engagement and commitment. Make it a priority to reinforce SEL principles at home and encourage your child to practice these skills in various contexts. Promoting social and emotional learning in your child lays the foundation for their academic success and overall well-being, preparing them to become thriving, responsible, and socially aware individuals

If you’re looking for help supporting your child with SEL, Handspring Health can help. We offer resources and guidance tailored to enhance your child’s social and emotional development. We also offer parenting support sessions to provide you with evidence-based strategies for supporting your child. To explore how you can further support your child, schedule a free consultation with a licensed Handspring therapist.