Start With Hello: Social Isolation Epidemic

Social isolation is the overwhelming feeling of being left out, lonely, or treated like you are invisible. It is a growing epidemic in the United States and within our schools. Excessive feelings of isolation can be associated with violent and suicidal behavior. In fact, one study reports that chronic loneliness increases our risk of an early death by 14%. 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 choose to hurt themselves or others.

Start with Hello teaches students, 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. For more about Start With Hello and to register your school for Start With Hello Call-to-Action Week January 25 - 29, 2016, please visit: http://www.sandyhookpromise.org/bringstartwithhello

Say Something

When it comes to violence, suicide and threats, most are known by at least one other individual before the incident occurs. In fact, in four out of five school shootings, the attacker told people of his plans ahead of time, and 70% of people who commit suicide tell someone of their plans or give some type or warning or indication. Imagine how much tragedy could be averted if these individuals said something?

Say Something teaches students, grades 6 -12, how to look for warning signs, signals and threats, especially in social media, from an individual who may be threatening to hurt themselves or others and to Say Something to a trusted adult to get help. The program is based on research conducted by Dr. Dewey Cornell and Dr. Reid Meloy, two leading national experts in threat assessment and intervention. For more about Say Something and to register your school for Say Something Call-to-Action Week October 19 - 23, 2015,
please visit: http://www.sandyhookpromise.org/bringsaysomething
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