Citation

McCabe EM, Davis C, Mandy L, Wong C. NASN Sch. Nurse 2021; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, National Association of School Nurses, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1942602X211048481

PMID

34836466

Abstract

The importance of students feeling connected in school cannot be overstated, as this perception is crucial to support their health and well-being. A lack of school connectedness can lead to adverse physical and mental health outcomes, including bully victimization. Numerous factors, including individual, social, and environmental, influence students' perceived sense of school connectedness. School nurses are well positioned to establish and maintain school connectedness due to their knowledge, accessibility to students, and familiarity with the school environment. This article details the importance of school connectedness and describes the associations between school connectedness, bullying, and mental health. In addition, we offer recommendations geared toward school nurses regarding strengthening school connectedness and promoting a culture of care and inclusivity within school environments, especially salient in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Language: en

Keywords

mental health; COVID-19; bullying; school belonging; school connectedness; school nurse