At a time of physical distancing and unanticipated new stressors, young people are seeking positive relationships and stronger connections. The urgency for social and emotional support for each and every student has never been greater, due to the equalization of trauma amid the COVID-19 crisis. This need is exposing questions of meaning, purpose, and connection, resulting in fear and violence. Amid frustration, social isolation and uncertainty, students are also the least hopeful they’ve been in American history.
LG Electronics USA has signed on to support Be Strong’s mission to educate, encourage, engage and mobilize students across the United States. The partnership, through LG’s corporate social responsibility program, Life’s Good: Experience Happiness, focuses on recruiting student leaders and developing social and emotional skills to be learned, taught and practiced in their schools and communities — increasing students’ capacity to face life’s challenges and maintain emotional wellbeing.
“With COVID-19, the rug was pulled out from under all of us. It was hard to adjust, as our entire routines were changed,” said Ella Beams, 12th grade Be Strong Student Leader. “Personally, I didn’t want to get out of bed. My anxiety and depression worsened, and I lost all motivation. In the darkest moments, I used the text line on our Be Strong App to text with someone other than my family, which really helped. The lack of consistency this year, moments of optimism followed by disappointment, has made feeling normal a lot of work. I’m finding myself motivated now, more than ever, to share my story with others, specifically how I was able to find help during this pandemic. My experience really let me know how much help my peers need. High school is hard in itself. We need to be grateful for what we do have and remember that we can create our own new happy.”
What if students took the pain they experienced from isolation, bullying and hopelessness, and used it as motivation to create inclusive environments? What if instead of being the reason they don’t go to school, become violent, harm themselves, it’s the reason they find hope, happiness and purpose?
“Our social-emotional well-being program leverages the science of happiness and recognizes that practicing happiness skills can help change your mindset, grow resilience and help manage life’s challenges,” said Christine Ackerson, director, sustainability & CSR at LG Electronics USA. “We are excited to work with Be Strong, our newest Experience Happiness partner, to help extend their important work through a comprehensive student-led approach.”
“As a parent and educator, I recognize so many of the emotional and social needs of students today.” Susan Jobe, Arkansas Department of Education, continued, “We don’t always get to see their growth, their healing, in real time. As an on-campus sponsor for Be Strong programs, I got to see them work together to become leaders, support and role models for each other. I’m so elated to be a part of this movement that encourages young people to choose happiness and gives them the tools to not only reach it but teach it.”
“LG Experience Happiness is the ideal authentic partner for Be Strong, and we need their help now more than ever. It’s difficult to put into words the excitement and gratitude we have for LG. It’s humbling and motivating to know the lives that will be changed and saved because of this partnership!” said Ashleigh Cromer, executive director of Be Strong, the leading national bullying prevention program.
