The article discusses the importance of implementing Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) practises in schools. Over 96% of students feel that their mental health affects their schoolwork and academic performance, and they experience great pressure to perform well on exams and academic achievements, which often overshadows the importance of their mental wellbeing, ultimately negatively impacting their performance in the long run.By integrating SEL practices, schools can help students develop essential skills such as self-management and relationship building which are important parts of children’s development, whilst also supporting their mental health, to ultimately improve their overall learning experience.It has been revealed by 96% of young people in the UK that their mental health has, at some point, affected their schoolwork. Many students experience their academic achievements often getting prioritised above well-being. The focus on mental health and well-being can, over time, have long-term consequences if they are not addressed early enough. Several factors can impact mental health, such as the pressure to perform well in exams and other academic performances, but also bullying and discrimination, lack of necessary support, and being punished for their behaviour.Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is a methodology set to help all students develop essential skills including self-awareness, self-management, relationship building and responsibility. This plays a significant role in children’s development as it can help promote environments where students feel safe and that their mental health is supported, ultimately improving their learning.SEL offers many advantages not only to students but also to schools. Social and emotional learning can help to increase positive social behaviours, as well as better student-teacher relationships, and reduce emotional distress, creating a better learning environment. It is therefore essential that educators continue to appreciate and strike the importance of SEL to support their students.How students’ mental health and learning can be improved through social and emotional LearningIncorporating SEL into classrooms can be as easy as starting the day with a student check-in – for example, presenting a traffic light system to reflect how students are feeling that day. Those who have positioned themselves as red on the traffic light system are indicating that they require more attention that day, or a break, and with this in mind, teachers can check in more with these students. Allocating time and space for talking can encourage an open conversation which delves into the reasoning behind their feelings – something that goes hand-in-hand with teaching mindfulness. Using exercises – such as breathing techniques – can aid a calming mindset that can be utilised both in and outside of the classroom, when feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Teaching this from an early age means that children can identify and manage any anxious feelings when navigating tests and exams, as well as setting the groundwork for navigating their emotions later on in life.As well as providing individuals with mechanisms and strategies to regulate their emotions, the ability to empathise within a group setting is essential. While some students may find it difficult to understand and connect with people who share different opinions, it is an essential part of education and development that is proven to be beneficial for the short and long term. For example, encouraging students to think critically about social issues, politics and different ways of thinking enables them to develop their self-awareness even further. Identifying and recognising the importance of resilience is vital for students to learn how to cope with difficulties in the future.How technology within classrooms can help enhance SEL competenciesOne way in which SEL can be supported is through digital learning and multimedia tools. Since many of today’s students...

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