Social connection and belonging – Child and Youth Mental Well-Being Resources

Relationships are one of the strongest predictors of children’s well-being throughout life. Studies have also found that a strong sense of belonging is associated with high self-rated mental health, even when controlling for geography and socio-economic status. Local governments can strengthen social connectedness and belonging for young people through initiatives that enable neighbourhood social cohesion, create social connections with adults in the community, socially sustainable urban design, and written and visual communications that represent and speak to all ages. 

This is the link for Protective Factor: Social connection and belonging. You may also be interested in viewing Protective Factor: Participation, Protective Factor: Play, or Protective Factor: Safety. If you’re interested in more background information about where to start, how local governments influence and benefit from strengthening child and youth mental wellness, population disparities, and quality adults in children’s lives, check out the full document here.