Helping Indiana high schools tackle the loneliness epidemic
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As administrators and teachers tackle another post-pandemic school year, they are concerned about the overall wellbeing of their students. They see firsthand what U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy calls an “epidemic of loneliness and isolation” and they want more resources to help them meet this moment.
How tough is it? Indiana teens are part of what researchers call the loneliest generation and the data are stark. Levels of adolescent loneliness keep climbing and young people now spend far less time with their friends than those from generations past. That’s one of the reasons why Indiana-based Kiwanis International is partnering with school leaders statewide to help make a difference.
They are helping teens navigate these challenging realities together, and one promising area of impact has come from encouraging them to engage in clubs offered at their high schools. Most schools have numerous options, and one is often Key Club – the largest student-led service and leadership organization in the world. Key Clubs were started by Kiwanis Club members nearly 100 years ago and they are now in more than 109 Indiana high schools serving more than 4,364 student members statewide.
Participation in these clubs can help students connect with their peers, find opportunities to lead, learn life skills and more. This month, students in Key Clubs around Indiana are taking part in a mapping process where they align their service interests with the needs of their local communities. Then, the students will organize and lead community service projects to help address issues of homelessness, literacy, hunger, animal welfare and more.
In addition to making a positive difference in their local communities, student members across Indiana will also take part in an international partnership with UNICEF where they will raise money to help young children in the African nation of Zambia. This Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF initiative will broaden perspectives and connect students with important issues beyond our borders.
By participating in these acts of service, many students will experience what researchers call a “helper’s high” that can elevate happiness and boost self-esteem. These moments matter and when we survey Key Club members nationally, they express feelings of acceptance and connectivity. More than 8 in 10 members say they feel like they belong when they are conducting service projects with their classmates and 92% say the clubs have a positive impact on their overall high school experience.
In my role, I get to see how service clubs positively impact students, schools and communities across Indiana every day. It’s powerful and we want more principals, teachers, parents and community leaders to know they have an ally working to help them tackle the loneliness epidemic among students.
At a time when school budgets are strained and far too many students report feeling isolated, anxious and disconnected, we stand ready to help provide our teens with an oasis amid the headwinds.