How Social Connection Can Help Children
Stay Resilient in Times of Hardship
This March marks 1 year since the COVID-19 pandemic forced Americans to quarantine from their friends, families, and loved ones.
The past year has been challenging, but children and youth are resilient.
How can caregivers and child welfare professionals effectively support children during the COVID-19 pandemic?
One protective factor that can help children and youth build resilience is social connection. Although connecting in person may not be possible, physical distancing does not need to turn into social isolation.
Child welfare professionals can help establish and support these connections by identifying flexible and creative methods for children and youth to connect with others using technology in safe and appropriate ways. Read more tips on how child welfare agencies and their community partners can encourage social connections in this brief from Child Trends.
In addition, research shows that children who have a strong connection with a caregiver are more likely to develop the coping skills that allow them to overcome hardships and even thrive in the face of adversity.
Use the following resources for information on the importance of social connectedness during times of uncertainty:
Explore and share these resources with other professionals and the children and families who need them.
Your feedback is important. Be sure to let us know how we're doing by taking our survey! For more information, visit our website, email us at info@childwelfare.gov, or call us toll-free at 1.800.394.3366.
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