Why asking students 'How Are You?" Wastes a Reachable Moment

Outline

Why ameliorating loneliness is the most important contribution an educator can make to a teen’s life
The audience is asked to reflect on those whom they like most. It is most probable that they feel understood by them.
Two important stories of how students were transformed by being seen and heard.
How to conduct intentional and appropriate questioning.
Q&A

Outcomes

Participants will be able to optimize small moments to build relationships with students and a sense of school connection.

Supporting research

References:
https://www.crisistextline.org/what-do-young-people-in-crisis-need-from-their-communities/
Overall, these papers point to the necessity of a school-based intervention that increases school connection and provides actionable wellness strategies. I have not found papers that speak to the efficacy of using digital signage as an intervention.
Paper on the mental state of youth:
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/su/su7304a9.htm#:~:text=
Overall%2C%2039.7%25%20
of%20students%20experienced,
grade%2C%20and%20race%20and%20ethnicity.
School connection is protective against many mental health risk factors
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/su/su7201a2.htm
https://www.wgbh.org/news/health/2024-05-15/breaking-down-the-teen-loneliness-epidemic-and-how-you-can-help
73% of youth aged 16-24 feel lonely.

Teen National Health Interview Survey of adolescents
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2025/04-05/teen-social-emotional-support

Why conversation prompts in digital signage matter:
https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf

About youth anxiety:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-anxiety-disorder#:~:text=100-,Prevalence%20of%

20Any%20Anxiety%20Disorder%20Among%20Adolescents,U.S.%20adolescents%20aged%20

13%2D18.&text=An%20estimated%2031.9%25%20of%20adolescents,was%20similar%20acro

ss%20age%20groups.