Youth Connectedness Is an Important Protective Factor for Health and Well-being

Connectedness is an important protective factor for youth that can reduce the likelihood of a variety of health risk behaviors. Connectedness refers to a sense of being cared for, supported, and belonging, and can be centered on feeling connected to school, family (i.e. parents and caregivers), or other important people and organizations in their lives. Youth who feel connected at school and home are less likely to experience negative health outcomes related to sexual risk, substance use, violence, and mental health.

In addition, school connectedness (i.e. the belief by students that adults and peers in the school care about them as individuals) has been shown to have positive effects on academic achievement, including having higher grades and test scores, having better school attendance, and staying in school longer.

Adolescent Connectedness has Lasting Effects

Recent CDC findings published in Pediatrics suggest that youth connectedness also has lasting effects. Youth who feel connected at school and at home were found to be as much as 66% less likely to experience health risk behaviors related to sexual health, substance use, violence, and mental health in adulthood.

Youth Experience Health Risks

Among U.S. high school students who participated in the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey:

• 37% persistently felt sad or hopeless
• 19% have seriously considered attempting suicide
• 16% made a suicide plan
• 9% have attempted suicide
• 46% did not use a condom during last sex
• 7% were forced to have sex
• 8% have had four or more lifetime sex partners
• 19% have been bullied at school

Recommendations for Schools, Families, and Healthcare Providers

There are concrete steps schools, families, and healthcare providers can take to promote connectedness among youth.

Schools Can:

• Provide professional development on classroom management. Reinforcing positive behavior through praise and establishing rules, routines, and expectations are classroom management techniques that promote higher levels of school connectedness.
• Support student led-clubs at school. These clubs create a safe space for students to socialize, support each other, and connect with supportive school staff.
• Facilitate positive youth development activities. Implementing mentoring programs, providing opportunities to volunteer in the community; or connecting students to community-based programs can provide youth with a network of supportive adults.
• Provide parents and families with resources that support positive parenting practices such as open, honest communication and parental supervision.

Families and Caregivers Can:

• Communicate openly and honestly, including about their values.
• Supervise their adolescent to facilitate healthy decision-making.
• Spend time with their adolescent enjoying shared activities.
• Become engaged in school and help with homework.
• Volunteer at their adolescent’s school.
• Communicate regularly with teachers and administrators.

Healthcare Providers Can:

• Ask adolescents about family relationships and school experiences as a part of routine health screenings.
• Encourage positive parenting practices.
• Engage parents in discussions about how to connect with their adolescents, communicate effectively, and monitor activities and health behaviors.
• Educate parents and youth about adolescent development and health risks.