Three Benefits of Social Emotional Learning for Teens

Have you heard of social-emotional learning or SEL? If you search Google or Twitter for the topic, you’ll find a plethora of information, which can lead to confusion on what you actually need to know. We’ve gathered some of the top benefits of social-emotional learning and why, as a teen, you should be invested in the process. But first, what is SEL?

SEL is the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions, according to CASEL. Let’s explore how it can help you!

Build Better Friendships

Social-emotional learning gives you the tools to build strong relationships. Relationship skills help students establish and maintain healthy and rewarding relationships, and to act in accordance with social norms. These skills involve communicating clearly, listening actively, cooperating, resisting inappropriate social pressure, negotiating conflict constructively, and seeking help when it is needed, says Edutopia.

Helps Manage Your Emotions

According to the Committee for Children, people with strong social-emotional skills are better able to cope with everyday challenges and benefit academically, professionally, and socially. From tests, to activities to home life—being a teen can be challenging. SEL gives you the tools to identify your emotions and communicate them effectively!

SEL Can Help You Academically

Yes, that’s right! SEL can actually help improve how you perform in school. According to CASEL, SEL programming improved students’ achievement test scores by 11 to 17 percentile points, indicating that they offer students a practical educational benefit.

For more on #SEL, check on Cirked In on Twitter!