“Giving kids the opportunity to develop their emotions, empathy, and social skills is one of the best ways to prepare them for the life ahead.”
This statement pretty much sums up the essence of the importance of social skills for kids.
According to a survey on learning loss and education recovery, at least 58% of teachers think that students lost social skills during Covid-caused school closures and get distracted easily because of lower attention spans.
With India preparing to add to the global workforce by 22% over the next three years, it is very important to harness Social Emotional Learning to support young people in their life and livelihood.
Let us understand what social skills are and why they are important for kids.
What are Social Skills?
Social skills for children are all about communication and interaction skills using speech, gestures, body language, and facial expressions. Children engage in social skills daily through the ways they behave with others their peers and the people around them. They learn to communicate positively by making friends and keeping those friendships.
Social skills are of great importance as kids with strong social skills are better equipped to form positive relationships with others, communicate their thoughts and feelings effectively, and navigate social situations with ease.
What are the types of social skills that kids must learn?
· Appropriately asks for help
· Awareness and appreciation of others' feeling
· Cooperates
· Displays affection to familiar people
· Follows directions
· Listens
· Make friends
· Makes eye contact
· Positive Self-Image
· Protects Themselves
· Expresses their feeling
· Respects personal space
· Shares and takes turns
· Displays good behavior and manners
Why is it important to cultivate good social skills in kids from an early age?
Having excellent social skills makes both getting along with others and becoming more independent easier. Friendships and peer relationships are more enjoyable and stronger, with good social skills. It is not just about social acceptance and being well-behaved. Above all, it is about relationships. Many studies support the long-term outcomes of developing social-emotional skills at an early age.
Good social skills also play a crucial role in academic success. Kids who can effectively communicate and work with others are better equipped to succeed in school and beyond. They can participate in group projects, show teamwork, and build positive relationships with teachers, leading to better academic outcomes.
In addition, social skills are critical for success in the workforce. Children who develop strong social skills will be better prepared for workplace challenges, such as teamwork, leadership, and effective communication skills. They will be better equipped to form positive relationships with co-workers, navigate the office environment, and work effectively as a team.
Research shows that kids with better social competence also benefit in the following areas:
Twice as likely to attend post-secondary education
More likely to earn a high school diploma
Less likely to use illegal substances
Less likely to get into trouble with the law
Studies show that a lack of social skills can lead to poor outcomes in child development. It can hinder their ability to create relationships, affect their adjustment at school, lead to loneliness, and cause behavioral problems in the future. This is why it is important to instill social skills in children early on in life.