The Significance of Social Development Support in Schools: The Critical Role of School Nurses

NASN Sch Nurse. 2023 Mar;38(2):62-64. doi: 10.1177/1942602X221128227. Epub 2022 Oct 8.

Abstract

The growth of social development entails a progression where youth learn to interact with those around them. This manuscript provides interventions school nurses may use to incorporate social development into their daily practice and interactions with students. Social-emotional skills are pivotal to children's and adolescents' health, well-being, and academic success. Healthy social development can lead to improved self-confidence and better social relationships and have long-term benefits into adulthood. There is still much to learn about how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the social development of children and adolescents. Nevertheless, school personnel, including the school nurse, must collaborate to support students, families, and each other to cultivate an environment that connects social development with education, health, and well-being.

Keywords: advocacy; leadership; school nurse; social development.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • COVID-19*
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Nurses*
  • Pandemics / prevention & control
  • School Nursing*
  • Social Change