Big Brothers Big Sisters Meets Pandemic Needs with Virtual Programs
As young people face the pressures of adolescence, caring adults can help reduce risk factors such as anxiety, stress, and social isolation that pose a threat to children’s mental health and overall well-being. Particularly in families that struggle with challenges, such as unemployment or housing and food insecurity, having a mentor to turn to for support and guidance can make the difference between a child overcoming obstacles or being held back by depression or negative social influences.
Now more than ever, youth mentoring services are critically needed, in large part due to the extended coronavirus pandemic. According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, emergency visits for mental health-related issues rose nearly 25 percent for children 11 and under and 31 percent for children ages 12 to 17. In addition, the CDC estimated that pediatric mental health care needs cost the country approximately $247 billion annually.
One of the best ways to help at-risk children and youth is to connect them with available support services. An example of a mentoring program that has evolved to fill this need during the pandemic is Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts (BBBSEM). With a commitment to continuing its support for youth despite the challenges of the pandemic, the organization implemented creative strategies to keep mentors and mentees connected and working on the six core components of the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentorship program (curiosity, character, connection, caring, competency, and confidence).
To respond to the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, BBBSEM moved quickly to adapt its in-person mentoring programs to a virtual environment. The organization’s Mentor 2.0 program, designed for high-school-age students, had already launched, giving older children the opportunity to stay connected with their mentors. By the fall of 2020, BBBSEM introduced a new online mentoring platform, the MentorHub App. Developed by clinical scientists at the University of Massachusetts Boston, the virtual tool blends mentoring, education, and health applications in one app. MentorHub also recommends outside apps designed to support the bond between mentees and mentors with shared activities.
BBBSEM mentors and mentees still have the chance to interact outside of the MentorHub App. Those activities may include reading a book together and discussing it over the phone or connecting by Zoom and playing video games together. Some pairs have opted to meet in person, wearing masks and socially distant, to throw a football at a park or take a walk. These fun mentorship experiences, often shared with people from different cultures or backgrounds, help young people feel connected to their community and teach them the value of developing caring, one-on-one relationships.
In conclusion, mentoring programs such as those offered by BBBSEM help children take a break from stressors while enjoying engaging activities on a consistent schedule with a trusted adult. Kids need to know that they matter, are not alone, and have someone to turn to for help. The experience can help children grow their confidence, learn self-regulation skills, and enhance their development by exposing them to new experiences. Adults also benefit from making a meaningful connection and taking on the responsibility of caring for someone who needs a role model in their life. Having a Big Brother or Big Sister show up for them can be what an at-risk child needs to cope with the stresses in their life and develop resilience. Find out more about BBBSEM’s programs at EMASSBIGS.org.
