The pandemic has caused trauma for people of all ages, including — and especially — our youth. These challenging circumstances have forced students nationwide to pursue their education in entirely new ways, using new technology.

Youth have had to do so while facing feelings of isolation and dealing with family members who have fallen ill; others have been affected by the digital divide, which has only been exacerbated by the pandemic. The deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and so many others at the hands of police have also increased feelings of depression and anxiety, especially among Black people and people of color.

As a nation, our mental health has never been more important, and it’s essential that our youth have the tools they need to navigate these issues. But last spring, when Covid-19 dramatically changed the educational landscape, just 7% of educators felt prepared to address the social and emotional needs of students.

It’s become increasingly critical that we embrace and embed social and emotional learning (SEL) in both in-school and out-of-school environments.

What does SEL focus on? The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) has established five core competencies for this framework: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Each component can have a profound effect on youth as they grow and pursue their dreams.

SEL can help students better understand and identify their emotions; it can help them develop empathy, increase self-control and manage stress.

Read the full article about social and emotional learning by Byron Sanders at Forbes.