Education & upskilling

1.4.2 Social skills

Anti-bullying

Anti-bullying education is crucial for fostering a safe and supportive environment for young people, with a direct impact on their long-term health.

Impact: Bullying, whether physical or online, can lead to severe and lasting psychological trauma, including depression, anxiety, and in some cases, post-traumatic stress disorder. A meta-analysis of studies showed that victims of bullying in childhood have a significantly higher risk of developing mental health problems, and these effects can persist for decades into adulthood (Ttofi et al., 2011).

Individuals who are not bullied as children have a lower risk of developing chronic diseases in adulthood, a direct result of avoiding the physiological stress and social isolation associated with being a victim.

Skills development: Comprehensive education should teach young people how to recognize, report, and intervene in bullying situations, while also fostering empathy and respect for others.

Private Sector: Effective anti-bullying programs exist globally. The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program is a well-known example, focusing on a whole-school approach that involves students, parents, and teachers. The KiVa program, developed in Finland, utilizes a tiered approach to address bullying with impressive results, including a 40% reduction in observed bullying (Salmivalli et al., 2011). The long-term health benefits of these programs are tangible.

Private sector social media companies and gaming platforms have a responsibility to implement robust reporting tools and enforce clear anti-harassment policies to protect young users from online bullying.

Resilience Training

Resilience is the ability to adapt well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or significant sources of stress (e.g., family problems, serious health issues, financial stressors).

The Penn Resilience Programme was adapted for use in UK schools, aiming to equip students with the skills to build mental resilience and improve well-being (Foundations 2025). Based on principles of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), the program teaches children how to identify and challenge negative thought patterns, manage difficult emotions, and develop a more optimistic and flexible mindset. By focusing on practical coping strategies and problem-solving skills, it seeks to reduce the incidence of mental health issues like depression and anxiety while promoting positive behaviours and academic success.

There are also a variety of resilience programs available for adolescents and young adults in colleges and universities, including structured courses, online modules, and workshops. They often draw on similar principles to the school-based programs, utilizing concepts from CBT, mindfulness, and positive psychology. For example, some universities offer courses that teach students how to manage stress, improve emotional regulation, and develop a growth mindset. These programs often focus on practical skills like time management, problem-solving, and communication to help students navigate the academic pressures and social transitions of college life.

The Impact of Resilience Training

The impact of resilience training on young adults is promising but has not yet shown consistent benefits (Robson, 2024; Abulfaraj et al., 2024):

• Positive Effects on Mental Health: Resilience training can lead to a significant reduction in symptoms of stress and anxiety among students. By teaching them coping strategies, these programs help young people manage the pressures of academic life and the transition to adulthood more effectively.
• Mixed Results for Depression: While resilience training can help reduce stress and anxiety, the evidence is less conclusive regarding its impact on depression. Some studies show a positive effect, while others find little to no significant change. This suggests that while resilience is a protective factor, more comprehensive interventions might be needed for severe depressive symptoms.
• Skill Development: Beyond mental health outcomes, these programs are effective at teaching specific skills. Participants often report increased emotional awareness, self-confidence, and adaptability. They learn how to reframe negative thoughts, seek social support, and maintain a hopeful outlook even when facing setbacks.
• Overall Well-being: By equipping students with the tools to handle adversity, resilience training contributes to a greater sense of control and overall well-being. It helps them feel more capable of navigating life’s challenges, which can have long-term benefits for their personal and professional lives.