Children’s Mental Health Week
This is My Place, the theme for Children’s Mental Health Week (9–16 February), highlights a fundamental yet often overlooked part of the human experience: a sense of belonging. Belonging is vital to how we connect with ourselves and with others.
Belonging is the feeling of being accepted, valued, respected, and truly seen for who you are. When children feel they belong, they experience psychological safety – being able to be who they are without fear of rejection, allowing them to connect with others authentically and confidently. For children and young people, this sense of belonging plays an important role in development, self-esteem and mental health. The acceptance and connection found in belonging are important building blocks for good mental health.
Why belonging matters
Belonging helps children feel secure in who they are and where they fit in the world. It creates space for them to make mistakes, express thoughts and emotions, and ask questions – all without fear of judgement or rejection.
As children move into adolescence, belonging becomes even more significant. Identity formation is central during the teenage years, and young people often experiment with different ways of being while gauging the reactions of those around them. Over time, identity tends to form around the people and places where they feel accepted and safe – where they feel they belong.
We also know that relationships are key predictors of long-term happiness and both mental and physical health. When we find a person, group, or place where we can simply be ourselves, more meaningful connections can grow. Finding “our people” often goes hand in hand with finding a sense of belonging.
People and places
Young people can experience belonging in many different places and relationships. For many, home is the first environment where belonging is learned. A home rooted in warmth, acceptance and safety helps children feel secure and loved for who they are. While no household is perfect, belonging thrives when children feel listened to, respected and valued.
However, not every child experiences this sense of safety at home. In these cases, schools can play a pivotal role. As places where children spend a large part of their lives, schools that foster inclusion and respect are vital. Feeling that you have a place at school – where you can learn, play and express yourself without fear – supports both confidence and identity development. When schools value children for who they are, not just what they achieve academically, they help young people discover that sense of belonging.
Beyond home and school, belonging can also be found in a wide range of spaces: religious communities, youth groups and other extracurricular settings. These environments offer opportunities to connect with like-minded people, build skills, enjoy shared activities, and develop trusting relationships with adults. Belonging can also emerge through cultural or religious traditions, and opportunities to explore strengths and talents.
This Is My Place
For every child to feel a sense of belonging, we must recognise that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Inclusivity is essential. Our spaces and communities must be accessible, welcoming and rooted in acceptance – places where difference is celebrated and every child is listened to and respected.
We can support every child to find their own place, even when it looks different from what we might expect. And that’s okay. What matters most is that every child knows they belong somewhere.
By listening closely, fostering inclusion, celebrating diversity, and creating spaces where children are seen and valued for who they are, we can help young people navigate the all-important journey of discovering themselves and their place in the world. Because every child deserves to feel “This is my place.”
