Social isolation is a growing epidemic in the United States and within schools, and it can be associated with violent and suicidal behavior. One study found that chronic loneliness increases the risk of an early death by 14%.
Young people who are isolated can become victims of bullying, violence and/or depression, and as a result, many pull further away from society, struggle with learning and social development and/or choose to hurt themselves or others.
These facts come from a nonprofit organization called Sandy Hook Promise. It is a group that includes members of families whose loved ones were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Their mission is to help all students feel safe, accepted, and seen.
During the week of September 23, the students and staff at Gorham Middle School (GMS) will be participating in “Start with Hello.” The “Start with Hello” activities and messages engage students and staff in learning about what social isolation is, how to recognize it, and how we can together work towards eliminating it from GMS’ school community.
Some activities planned include: “Hey Day,” a “Chunka Change” drive to support the mission of Sandy Hook Promise; a Random Acts of Kindness Day; and a No One Eats Alone lunch.
While GMS will be focused on this mission for the week, it is the hope that the messages presented and experienced will extend into the rest of this school year and beyond.
For more information about the Sandy Hook Promise, check out their website here.