‘Increased stress, insomnia, emotional exhaustion, confusion, anger, and substance abuse.’ These were the most reported side effects of social distancing and prolonged quarantine during past outbreaks.

With COVID showing no signs of slowing down as we enter third and fourth waves, we know our kids are hurting. They are longing for connection. Research shows that engaging in just a few meaningful conversations can increase the likelihood of happiness and positive endorphins two fold than when feeling isolated.

So how do we increase meaningful conversations for our kids in socially distanced environments? We eliminate the borders between them.

Three courageous programs are using COVID as an opportunity to forge more, not less social connections. Through online moderated forums, students in Italy are explaining to American students why pineapples do not belong on pizzas. Students in Nigeria are setting up virtual conferences and inviting new online Canadian friends to speak. Students in Idaho are writing fan fiction around COVID-related dystopias, and sharing with friends across the world to gain feedback on their work.

Connecting students online pre-COVID for most teachers was something reserved for bucket lists. A ‘nice to imagine,’ but certainly ‘not to happen’ in my lifetime. Well, now it has.

While we continue to remain socially distanced, we can also help students become more socially connected. As Lene Lange so eloquently put, ‘young people around the world have never had more in common than they do now.’

As tireless educators, let’s continue to provide them with the platform and opportunity to stay connected.

Read the full article about supporting students in quarantine by Kyle Wagner at Getting Smart.