Ohio ACOFP Joins Effort to Reduce Social Isolation Among Children, Teens

National Start With Hello Week, February 8-12

(January 14, 2016) Have you ever felt lonely, invisible or excluded? Now imagine feeling that way every day. Social isolation is the overwhelming feeling of being left out, lonely, or treated like you are invisible. Excessive feelings of isolation can even be associated with violent and suicidal behavior. One study reports that chronic loneliness increases  risk of an early death by 14 percent. Furthermore, young people who are isolated can become victims of bullying, violence and/or depression. As a result, many further pull away from society, struggle with learning and social development and/or may choose to hurt themselves or others.

Eighteen Ohio groups, including Ohio ACOFP are working together with Sandy Hook Promise to empower young people to solve this growing problem. Sandy Hook Promise’s free program, Start With Hello, teaches students in grades 2-12 the skills they need to reach out to and include those who may be dealing with chronic social isolation and create a culture of inclusion and connectedness within their school or youth organization.

All schools and youth organizations across Ohio are encouraged to register to participate in Start With Hello Week, which is February 8-12, 2016, and bring the free training to their community. By participating in Start With Hello, schools and youth organizations are also eligible to apply for a special $10,000 award. In addition, participating schools and youth organizations will be given digital access to no-cost and easy-to-implement  training materials, presentations and a planning guide. The training can be accomplished in an assembly or classroom format or through student leaders and  takes 25-45 minutes. 

In addition to Ohio ACOFP, other groups endorsing the Week include the Ohio Parent Teacher Association, Ohio School Board Association, Ohio Mental Health Network for School Success, Ohio Family and Children First, Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Ohio Academy of Family Physicians, Ohio Psychiatric Physicians Association, Drug Free Action Alliance, National Alliance on Mental Illness, and others.