Positive Childhood Experiences: Feeling a sense of belonging in high school

Did you know that positive experiences in childhood can shape lifelong resilience and well-being? These moments, known as Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs), create a strong foundation for emotional and social development.

While Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) focus on difficulties and trauma, PCEs emphasize the relationships, environments, and opportunities that nurture a child’s growth. In the Bloom Kentucky blog series, we explore how fostering these positive experiences can support children across the Bluegrass.

Today, we’re highlighting the power of feeling a sense of belonging in high school.

Spotlight on PCE: Feeling a Sense of Belonging in High School 

High school is a critical time for social development, and feeling a sense of belonging can make a significant impact on a student’s well-being and academic success. When students feel connected to their peers, teachers, and school community, they are more likely to thrive emotionally and perform better in the classroom.

Reflections from Kentucky Youth on Feeling a Sense of Belonging in High School 

But don’t take our word for it, read some reflections from Kentucky kids on how feeling a sense of belonging in high school has impacted their life:

• Aleah:

  “Belonging influences my mental health and home stressors. When I feel like I belong with my peers, it helps me get through hard times and puts me at ease to feel like I belong.”

• Jeanette:

  “I feel like having a sense of belonging in high school is really great and helpful because there will be days where I do not want to go to school, but then I’m thinking ‘okay, if I go to school I’ll get to see my friends. We’ll talk about this. I can update them about that. And they can advise me on things.’ It makes school more bearable.”

• Cayden:

  “Having a sense of belonging in school has definitely contributed to how talkative I am, and how easy it is for me to talk to people. Because I feel like for a lot of highschoolers or kids in general, school is your homebase. You’re spending 8 hours of your day at school so if you could have a peaceful school environment where you belong there and you know you have a place there, I feel like it really makes the rest of your day really easy going and really easy to go through.”

• Mahdi:

  “In the classes where I have a lot of friends that I feel I belong with, I feel like I am more productive work wise. But in classes where I barely know anyone, I tend to slack off and not want to do my work.”

The Power of Belonging in Schools

Research shows that students who feel a strong sense of belonging in school experience lower stress levels, increased motivation, better academic outcomes, and are less likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as using substances. Schools can cultivate this sense of connection by fostering inclusive environments, encouraging positive peer relationships, and ensuring every student has supportive adults they can turn to.

Creating a sense of belonging for every student is a community effort. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or peer, small actions—like checking in on a friend, joining a club, or celebrating others’ successes—can make a difference.

Call to Action

To learn more about Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) and how they shape resilient communities, visit bloomky.org.