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Strength of the Week – Social Intelligence

Social intelligence is the ability to understand our emotions and those of others around us; to perceive what makes us and them ‘tick’. Social intelligence helps us to successfully build relationships and navigate social environments with family, friends, acquaintances, colleagues and complete strangers; being aware of the emotions and motives of both ourselves and others. It also helps us to regulate our responses, so that we can carry ourselves comfortably in different contexts without being sorry for things later.

Interestingly, the strong relationships that can develop as a result of social intelligence can improve our immune system and help combat disease, so we can see the importance of growing this strength. In Braving the Wilderness, Brené Brown shares that loneliness and weak relationships are some of the major sources of stress, health problems and depression, and living with loneliness increases our risk of premature death by 45%!

Social intelligence can be tricky for young people, as they often do not regulate or read emotions accurately because of the developmental stage of their brain. One of the tips in my email to students this week, was to think about and observe those around us who seem to have this strength sorted and think about what they do and how they navigate complex social situations. We can reflect on the manner of those around us who really make us feel listened to and affirmed. What is it that they do that allows us leave that conversation feeling valued and cared for? We can learn a lot from observing. Other evidence highlights that reading a novel is actually great for developing social intelligence. When we read about characters, their choices and thoughts and experiences, it can help us to appreciate other perspectives and motivating forces, and responses. “You never really understand another person until you consider things from his point of view- until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” Harper Lee in To Kill A Mockingbird.

Last week Year 9 students viewed the Taryn Brumfitt documentary Embrace Kids, and this week we were honoured that Taryn, herself, visited us to interact with Year 9 students specifically and share her wisdom. The details of this visit are reported in a separate article. Taryn Brumfitt is an award-winning filmmaker, bestselling author and internationally sought-after keynote speaker, and was recently named the 2023 Australian of the Year. Next week we will have the third part of this initiative when Taryn engages with parents at a parent evening.

Next week is also particularly important for social intelligence, as we celebrate Wellbeing Week and RUOK? Day as a community. Events over the week are intended to boost student positive emotions and elaborate a range of skills that can support our developing wellbeing.

Hoping we all have a happy and healthy week 7 and weekend ahead!

Tonia Carfora, Year 7-9 Wellbeing Initiatives Leader