EQ and IQ critical for children to thrive
Lynn Benson, LSW
To the Editor:
The article “Finding a way through the pressure,” which appeared on page A1 in The Ridgewood News on Friday, June 27, states:
“Administrators emphasize that in today’s highly competitive world, teaching Ridgewood’s young people about ‘balance’ is all the more important.”
I believe that in addition to “balance,” enhanced EQ (emotional intelligence) is a necessity to deal with life’s pressures.
Too many children are challenged socially and emotionally, and are engaging in reckless and self-destructive behaviors while trying to cope with their struggles. And, it’s heartbreaking how often our headlines are filled with tragedies involving our youth. As a society, we are failing.
Our school systems are designed for IQ. EQ needs equal attention. Our nation’s schools mandate academic, physical and health education. Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is equally important.
– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/letter-eq-and-iq-critical-for-children-to-thrive-1.1046440#sthash.pZEveEFB.dpuf
Tag: children
Mental health risk to children trapped in ‘toxic climate’ of dieting, pornography and school stress
Mental health risk to children trapped in ‘toxic climate’ of dieting, pornography and school stress
IAN JOHNSTON
Monday 20 January 2014
Children are living in an “unprecedented toxic climate” in which they skip meals to stay thin, are bombarded by pornographic images and fear they will be failures amid a “continuous onslaught of stress at school”, according to research published today.
A poll commissioned to coincide with the launch of a national campaign found 40 per cent of 11 to 14-year-olds said they missed meals for weight-loss reasons, while a similar proportion said their relationships with other children had been affected by watching pornography online.
Half of children and young people had been bullied and more than half believed they would end up being a failure if they did not get good exam grades. The charity YoungMinds said the UK was sitting on a “mental health time bomb” and that action is needed by the Government, schools and parents to help young people cope with the pressures of modern life.