6 Ways to Identify Students Who Need Extra Social-Emotional Support

6 Ways to Identify Students Who Need Extra Social-Emotional Support

The start of a new school year brings excitement for many students. But for others, this period can be fraught with hidden struggles, whether it's emotional distress, social isolation, academic pressure, or issues related to digital wellness and screen balance.?

Identifying students who need extra social-emotional support early on is key to setting them on a path to success.

Below are five effective ways to recognize these students and offer practical support—before their challenges escalate.

1. Spot the Emotional Tells—From Subtle to Severe

Some students experience emotional struggles as soon as the school year begins. While some may openly express their emotions, others might mask their feelings. Subtle shifts in mood or behavior are early clues that a student is in distress.

  • Practical Signs: Does a once-engaged student seem unusually withdrawn, or is a typically quiet student suddenly experiencing emotional outbursts? These changes, even if slight, are strong indicators that something deeper may be at play.
  • Real-life Scenario: A sixth-grade student who was previously excited about school began refusing to participate in class. After a brief check-in, her teacher discovered she was being bullied online through social media—a problem impacting her self-esteem and ability to engage academically.

2. Recognize Signs of Social Isolation or Anxiety

Social dynamics can be overwhelming, especially early in the school year when new routines and friendships are still forming. Some students struggle silently with social anxiety or feelings of isolation, which can have long-term effects if left unaddressed.

  • Subtle Indicators: A student who routinely avoids group activities or consistently sits alone may be experiencing social anxiety or isolation. Watch for students who hesitate to join conversations or frequently make excuses to stay on the periphery during social activities.
  • Effective Strategy: Low-pressure peer engagement, like group discussions in pairs or small teams, can ease students into social dynamics without feeling overwhelmed. Encourage students to participate in activities that foster connection, such as group projects or social clubs.

3. Watch for Behavioral Cues Related to Academic Stress

Academic pressure can contribute to emotional stress, especially for students trying to balance multiple expectations. While some students may overcompensate by pushing themselves too hard, others may disengage from school entirely.

  • Behavioral Cues: Has a student who usually performs well begun skipping assignments or showing up to class visibly exhausted? Are they frequently expressing frustration over minor setbacks? These could be signs of academic burnout.
  • Case Study Insight: A ninth-grade student, overwhelmed by a heavy homework load and after-school activities, started exhibiting frequent outbursts in class. By recognizing the signs of stress early, his counselor adjusted his schedule and incorporated mindfulness exercises into his routine, helping him regain control of his workload.

4. Check Digital Wellness and Screen Balance

In today’s tech-driven world, many students struggle with digital overload and screen balance, which can directly impact their emotional well-being. Excessive screen time, especially late at night, is linked to increased anxiety, decreased sleep quality, and heightened emotional distress.

  • Practical Signs: Students who come to school frequently tired, distracted, or unable to focus may be dealing with screen-related issues like late-night gaming, excessive social media use, or digital anxiety. These behaviors may also show up as irritability, declining grades, or skipping assignments.
  • Effective Strategy: Use wellness check-ins that specifically address screen habits, such as asking students to rate how balanced they feel about their screen use. Encourage discussions about setting healthy boundaries for tech use, including screen-free times during meals, before bed, and during school hours.
  • Real-life Example: A 10th-grade student’s grades began slipping, and he often seemed exhausted in class. After a conversation with his teacher, it became clear he was spending 6+ hours a night on social media, causing him to stay up late and lose sleep. A personalized action plan to limit screen time after 9 PM drastically improved his mood and academic performance.

5. Use Proactive Check-In Strategies

For many students, opening up about emotional struggles isn’t easy. Proactive check-ins can help establish a supportive environment where students feel comfortable sharing what’s really going on in their lives.

  • Effective Check-In Strategies: Move beyond basic questions like “How are you doing?” Instead, ask more targeted questions like, “How’s your stress level this week?” or “What’s been the hardest part of your day?” Incorporating simple rating systems can give counselors a quick read on a student's emotional health. Tools like digital wellness surveys can further highlight potential screen balance issues or social-emotional needs.

6. Know When to Recommend Outside Support Like BonfireDW

Sometimes, the in-school support system may not be enough to fully address a student’s challenges, especially when issues are deeply rooted in emotional or digital wellness. Recognizing when it’s time to recommend outside help can prevent long-term negative impacts on a student’s life.

  • When to Refer: If a student continues to show signs of distress, whether it’s persistent anxiety, social isolation, or difficulty balancing academics and technology use, it’s important to recommend external resources. Bonfire Digital Wellness offers tailored social-emotional and digital wellness coaching, providing students with the tools they need to manage stress, create healthy screen habits, and improve their overall emotional well-being.
  • How BonfireDW Can Help: With personalized wellness check-ins and access to compassionate, licensed school counselors, BonfireDW helps students regain control of their mental health and digital habits. The program is designed to fill gaps in traditional support systems, offering proactive coaching and practical solutions for balancing academic, social, and digital pressures.


Final Thoughts: Prioritize Early Intervention

By recognizing these key signs—whether it’s emotional struggles, social anxiety, academic stress, or digital overload—you can intervene early and prevent small issues from turning into larger challenges. Early detection and proactive support can make all the difference in a student’s academic and emotional success.

Take the First Step Toward Better Support Today

Bonfire Digital Wellness offers a free trial for students and parents who want to explore how proactive wellness coaching can help navigate emotional and digital wellness challenges. Reach out today to learn more about our personalized approach to student support!

Want to discuss more? Schedule a call to explore further or Enroll in our 1-month free coaching trial today (4 free 30-minute sessions) and embark on a journey towards holistic wellbeing and academic excellence.

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