Tackling Social-Emotional Learning in the Digital Era

Bhavya Tandon

Psychologist and Child Development Consultant

In today’s digital age, developing social-emotional learning (SEL) in youngsters is more crucial than ever. SEL promotes self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, responsible decision making, and relationship development (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning [CASEL,2023). According to research, high SEL abilities contribute to better academic performance, improved well-being, and healthier interpersonal interactions (Durlak et al., 2011). However, with increased digital involvement, a balanced strategy that includes play-based learning and technology is required.

Cognitive Benefits of SEL

SEL develops emotional intelligence (EI), which allows youngsters to recognize, comprehend, and manage their emotions. Children with excellent SEL abilities outperform their peers academically and have fewer behavioural concerns, according to research. For example, the “PATHS” program boosted toddlers’ emotional understanding while decreasing disruptive behaviours (Jones et al., 2015). Another study found that SEL programs improved kids’ academic achievement by 11 percentile points (Durlak et al., 2011). SEL also increases cognitive skills—Schonert-Reichl et al. (2015) demonstrated that mindfulness-based SEL programs improve working memory, executive function, and attentional control, which help with academic performance.

The Impact of the Digital Era on SEL

Digital platforms influence SEL development in both positive and negative ways. Excessive screen usage has been associated with decreased self-regulation and social skills (Domoff et al., 2019). Because of the restricted real-time contact on social media, emotional regulation may suffer. However, controlled digital involvement can help SEL. Setia et al. (2024) discovered that guided emotional learning exercises on online platforms can boost resilience. Apps like “Daniel Tiger’s Grr-ific Feelings” assist children in recognizing and expressing their emotions (PBS Kids, 2023). The key is moderation and cautious use of digital technologies.

Play-Based Learning: A Natural Tool for SEL

and teamwork (World Economic Forum, 2022). Programs like “The Incredible Years” help with emotional management and aggression reduction (Webster-Stratton and Reid, 2010). Similarly, “Tools of the Mind” improves self-regulation and executive functioning (Bodrova & Leong, 2007). Examples:

  1. Role-playing activities, such as pretending to be a doctor or firefighter, promote empathy and teamwork.
  2.  Board games like “Snug as a Bug in a Rug” encourage teamwork and emotional management.

Integrating Digital Play with SEL

If we remain mindful and cautious, digital play can be beneficial. Educational apps are known to build on SEL principles and help improve the child’s emotional intelligence. For example:

  1. Learn With Sesame Street” promotes friendship and emotional expression (Parents, 2024).
  2. Minecraft: Education Edition” encourages problem-solving and teamwork, but requires moderation (Granic et al., 2014).

We must remember that quality is more important than quantity and intentional digital involvement, along with traditional SEL activities would produce the most efficient results.

Practical Strategies for Parents and Educators

  1. Mindful Technology Use
    Set a screen time limit. Choose SEL-based apps that teach emotional control, such as “Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame”.
  2. Balanced play opportunities
    Encourage digital and hands-on activities, such as outdoor games, storytelling, and emotional journaling.
  3. Active parental involvement
    Engage with youngsters while they play. Discuss your feelings after seeing SEL-based shows such as Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood.
  4. Educational Collaboration
    Schools should use SEL-focused digital tools to foster emotional intelligence through group discussions  and  projects.

Conclusion

SEL in the digital age necessitates a balanced approach that combines traditional play-based learning with responsible technology use. By combining the two, parents and educators can help youngsters develop strong emotional intelligence, resilience, and cognitive skills necessary for success in modern life.

References

Bodrova, E., & Leong, D. J. (2007). Tools of the mind: The Vygotskian approach to early childhood education. Pearson.

 

CASEL. (2023). What is SEL? Retrieved from https://casel.org/what-is-sel/

 

Denham, S. A., Bassett, H. H., Zinsser, K., & Wyatt, T. (2012). How preschoolers’ social emotional learning predicts later academic success. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 27(3), 379–391.

 

Domoff, S. E., Borgen, A. L., Foley, R. P., & Maffett, A. (2019). Excessive use of mobile devices and children’s physical health. Human Behavior and Emerging Technologies, 1(2), 169-175.

 

Durlak, J. A., Weissberg, R. P., Dymnicki, A. B., Taylor, R. D., & Schellinger, K. B. (2011). The impact of enhancing students’ social and emotional learning. Child Development, 82(1), 405-432.

 

Granic, I., Lobel, A., & Engels, R. C. M. E. (2014). The benefits of playing video games. American Psychologist, 69(1),66-78.

 

Jones, S. M., Barnes, S. P., Bailey, R., & Doolittle, E. J. (2015). Promoting social and emotional competencies in elementary school. The Elementary School Journal, 115(3), 426-455.

 

PBS Kids. (2023). Daniel Tiger’s Grr-ific Feelings. Retrieved from https://pbskids.org/apps/daniel-tigers-grr-ific-feelings.html

 

Schonert-Reichl, K. A., Oberle, E., Lawlor, M. S., Abbott, D., Thomson, K., Oberlander, T. F., & Diamond, A. (2015). Enhancing cognitive and social–emotional development. Developmental Psychology, 51(1), 52–66.

 

Setia, R., Kumar, V., & Sharma, N. (2024). Digital platforms for emotional intelligence development in early childhood. Journal of Educational Psychology, 116(2), 189-205.

 

Webster-Stratton, C., & Reid, M. J. (2010). The Incredible Years: Evidence-based parenting and classroom management programs. Psychology in the Schools, 47(1), 71-91.

 

World Economic Forum. (2022). Playful learning helps children develop social and emotional skills.