Building Belonging: How to Help Kids Find Their Place
by Tami Silverman, President & CEO of Indiana Youth Institute
Children and youth need supportive communities to thrive. In a world where social isolation is on the rise, studies reveal that involvement in teams, clubs, and organized activities not only improves kids’ academic and social skills but also strengthens their mental and physical health. Such settings create essential platforms for children and teens to feel a sense of belonging, build resilience, and develop critical life skills. Supporting access and encouraging children to participate in these activities can set them up for lifelong success and help them find a sense of place within their larger community.
Organized activities foster a sense of belonging. When children feel valued within a group, they gain confidence, strengthening their self-esteem. The Kids Mental Health Foundation reports that children who feel connected in a group environment have higher levels of happiness and lower rates of anxiety and depression. Belonging helps kids see themselves as part of something greater, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness, and helping children build resilience and manage stress.
Youth workers and youth-serving organizations provide safe spaces where children can build a sense of belonging. They offer guidance, helping children and teens set goals and face challenges with confidence. Through programs like afterschool clubs, scouting, and mentoring, young people find friendships, connect with mentors, and feel part of a supportive community. Research from the National Mentoring Partnership indicates that youth with supportive adults in their lives are more likely to thrive socially, excel academically, and avoid risky behaviors. For many young people, especially those without consistent support at home or school, these relationships provide a crucial network.
Youth-serving organizations also offer structured environments where children can explore their interests and develop skills. Programs like the Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCA, and Big Brothers Big Sisters foster inclusivity, giving kids the chance to develop their talents in a welcoming environment. According to the Afterschool Alliance, involvement in afterschool programs is linked with improved academic performance, social skills, and self-esteem. These organizations expand a child’s support network—a stable, encouraging environment where they can safely explore, grow, and belong.
Youth involved in extracurricular activities have better mental health outcomes than their non-participating peers. In group settings, kids learn positive behaviors that can help them make healthier lifestyle choices and find constructive outlets for their energy. Kids involved in sports, music, and clubs generally experience lower rates of anxiety and depression, with these activities providing positive peer influences and healthy structure. Additionally, they serve as a protective factor against risky behaviors, including substance abuse.
Participation in groups provides children with essential social skills they’ll need throughout life. Research by Child Trends highlights how structured activities build teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution skills. Group activities that require collaboration, such as sports or drama clubs, teach children how to listen, compromise, and work toward common goals. Additionally, these activities encourage empathy and understanding, helping young people develop friendships and value diverse perspectives.
Engaging in structured activities also teaches children resilience and valuable coping skills. Facing competition, group disagreements, or losing a game provides kids with opportunities to persevere and handle setbacks constructively. According to Geoffrey Cohen, PhD, of Stanford University, group activities offer a safe environment for children to experience both success and failure, along with the chance to develop a growth mindset that encourages viewing challenges as learning experiences.
Involvement in extracurricular activities also has been shown to improve academic performance. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, students engaged in sports, band, or debate clubs often have higher grades and better attendance than their non-participating peers. The discipline and time management skills they develop in these activities translate into better study habits and greater motivation to succeed academically. This is linked with higher GPAs, standardized test scores, and an increased likelihood of college enrollment.
Physical activity through sports and other active groups offers significant health benefits, such as improved cardiovascular health, stronger muscles, and fostering habits that can helping kids stay fit and reduce the risk of obesity and related health issues in childhood and beyond. The CDC recommends that children and adolescents engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily, and group activities provide an excellent way to meet this guideline.
Whether through school- or community-based clubs, sports teams, or community service, group experiences greatly contribute to a young person’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Benefits extend far beyond the moment, equipping children to succeed in school, form healthy relationships, and ultimately navigate the challenges of adulthood. In today’s increasingly disconnected society, supporting children to find positive group activities may be one of the best investments we can make in their future well-being.