National No One Eats Alone Day

 

Pexels Courtesy Photo by: Katerina Holmes

Since 2012, National No One Eats Alone Day has been celebrated to bring awareness of social isolation in kindergarten through twelfth grade. Every third Friday of February is dedicated to having all the children in school eat together and make new friendships. It is a day to prevent social isolation during lunch hours and in group activities. This day began with a non-profit organization called Beyond Differences. This year, National No One Eats Alone Day is on February 16^th.

Eating alone in school has long-term effects and hurts them emotionally. Additionally, some students have a tough time socializing once they are adults due to depression or too much anxiety. Some students can get low grades and feel less confident than other students. Moreover, the more isolated they are, their self-esteem is affected. Therefore, social isolation in schools must end. 

Eating alone as a student is not recommended in any school. Loneliness and being bullied are what some students are confronted with each time they go to school. Being isolated in a social aspect makes them feel unwelcomed and not appreciated in school. However, implementing National No One Eats Alone Day in school can influence those students who feel isolated. Also, as a parent encourage your children to eat with other students who are lonely and who are eating by themselves during lunch hour.

Tell them that bringing a new student to their lunch table can be beneficial to them and the entire lunch group. Also, speak to them about eliminating social differences in their school. Encourage them not to judge their peers because of their appearances, what they are wearing, their physical features, their accents, or what makes them look different from them. Let them know that everyone is in school just to learn and to make friendships. Have a conversation about preventing discrimination.

Persuade them to speak to one or four new students during lunch hour so they can make new friendships. Another tip is for them to avoid screen time on their cell phones while they are having lunch. They can play card games or bingo cards that do not require the internet. As well as discussing what they have learned at school that day or their favorite hobbies. Nonetheless, they can color or do their homework together during lunch hour. 

National No One Eats Alone Day is a special day for them to make friendships and to make all the students feel appreciated. It can reduce social isolation among the students in school. Although, this day is celebrated once a year; Students can continue eating together every day during lunch hour and make friendships. Preventing social isolation can prevent painful memories of eating alone at school. Here are resources for National No One Eats Alone Day. 

 

No One Eats Alone-Beyond Differences:

No One Eats Alone - Beyond Differences

No One Eats Alone-Recognizing Isolation-Better Help:

No One Eats Alone: Recognizing Isolation | BetterHelp

*Pexels Courtesy Photo by Katerina Holmes