Start with Hello Week is September 18 - 22, 2023
What is Start with Hello Week?
Start with Hello is a national awareness campaign dedicated to creating a sense of belonging among youth by helping them make new social connections. Start With Hello Week began because, in every school and in every community, there are young people who suffer silently because they feel left out, alone or invisible. We want to help students continue the back-to-school season and immediately feel seen, accepted and safe.
Through the activities happening in our schools, students will learn how to:
1 - Recognize loneliness and social isolation in their peers
2 - Make a difference for students who need connection
3 - Create an empathetic and inclusive community
Why Does it Matter?
The world has become increasingly intolerant and divided, but we can start to make a difference by practicing empathy and seeking to understand others.
Research shows that feeling socially isolated negatively affects mental health, physical health and cognitive function in students, adults and the elderly.
Strong social connections are one of several protective factors that can contribute to an individual's overall wellness.
What are Protective Factors?
Protective factors are conditions or attributes in individuals,
families, and communities that promote the health and well-being of children and families. They can reduce:
bullying behaviors
self-harm and suicide
substance abuse
child abuse and neglect
Strong protective factors help ensure positive outcomes for students, improve academic achievement and support overall wellness.