Students and school districts across Texas will participate in a nationwide health initiative on Feb. 13. More than 405,000 Texas students from nearly 700 schools are registered to participate in
“No One Eats Alone Day” activities this year. The event is a program of Sandy Hook Promise, created to end social isolation and help students get to know one another, so that every student feels like they belong.
Nationwide, more than 4,800 schools have registered to participate, reaching nearly 3 million students. The day will feature a curriculum with art projects.
A recent World Health Organization study revealed lonely teenagers are 22 percent more likely to get lower grades, and that social isolation increases the risk of stroke, heart disease, depression, and suicidal thoughts. The study also showed that social connections improve physical and mental health.
“Social isolation can harm children physically and mentally, leading to long-term health issues and increasing the risk of self-harm and violence,” said Nicole Hockley, co-founder of Sandy Hook Promise. “Personal connections are transformative. Simple acts of kindness can help turn kids’ lives around.”
Participating schools will receive a free Belonging Box, which includes lesson plans on social isolation, a student leadership guide, conversation starters for connecting with peers, and materials for an art project called “Connect the Dots.” All materials are available in English and Spanish and are provided at no cost to schools.
A Concho Observer reporter contacted officials in the San Angelo school district’s communications department about whether the district will participate but no response had been received by publication time.
For more information, visit “sandyhookpromise.org.”
