SEL in high schools: A guide to successful implementation and activities

The high school years are as exciting as they are overwhelming for students. From changing friendships to intense academic pressure, for many teens, it’s a time filled with emotional highs and lows. Social-emotional learning (SEL) is a research-based approach that helps teens navigate relationships, manage stress, make good decisions, succeed in school, and more. If you’re looking for ways to help the teens in your school, SEL activities for high school students might be the solution.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the importance of social-emotional learning in the classroom. We’re covering why SEL matters, how to implement it, and which activities work best at the high school level—so you can create programs that make a real difference.

Why SEL matters in high school

You might think that SEL is only appropriate at the elementary school level, but the teen years are a time of significant developmental change. It can be difficult for this age group to navigate things on their own. They’re trying to figure out their identity, and they face pressure to fit in while managing intense emotions and hormonal changes. While all this is going on, they’re still trying to claim their own independence. It’s a confusing time for many teens.

Strong SEL skills empower students by building confidence, teaching them to set boundaries, and forming healthy, rewarding relationships.

Other proven benefits of SEL for high school students:

• Improved academic performance: Studies have shown that SEL strategies can boost academic achievement for high school students. Students who have access to programs tend to have higher grades, test scores, and attendance rates. 
• Strong peer and teacher-student relationships: Students who go through SEL-focused programs report a better sense of student belonging and inclusiveness at their schools and feel like they have a stronger connection with their teachers.
• Decreased anxiety, depression, and disciplinary incidents: SEL programs have been linked to reduced rates of emotional distress. Students in SEL environments have less anxiety and depression. They also have fewer behavioral and disciplinary problems. SEL works because it helps at-risk students build coping and resiliency skills they can rely on throughout their high school years and beyond.
• Increased graduation rates: Research shows SEL activities for high school students also improves graduation rates and college attendance rates.

Implementing SEL programs in high school does more than improve grades, friendships, and attendance rates. It also prepares students for the real world and long-term academic and emotional success, both during and after high school.

Key components of effective SEL for teens

Strong SEL programs for high school students depend on five key areas. The components are outlined by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) and work together, helping students grow into capable, mature young adults. After going through SEL exercises in high school, students are prepared to face difficult times in their lives.

Self-awareness

Self-awareness teaches students how to tune into their emotions. It helps them identify their strengths and limitations and understand their feelings. For example, if they recognize that frustration is due to not understanding material, they can learn to ask for help. Or, if they realize they’re overly nervous or excited during team tryouts, they can learn to self-regulate and get “in the zone.”

Self-aware students know how to identify their feelings and understand why they react in certain ways. Self-awareness teaches students that it’s OK to confess when they’re stressed, sad, or angry about something. It reinforces the idea that seeking help is not only normal but healthy. As they develop skills, they can spot unhealthy patterns (like procrastination) and learn coping tools that work for them.

Self-management

It can be difficult for students to know how to calm their nerves or react in appropriate ways when their emotions get the best of them. Self-management is an essential skill that helps teens regulate emotions. It enables them to control impulses and stay motivated while managing their stress.

Healthy self-management tools can include:

• Meditation
• Deep breathing
• Goal setting
• Using positive self-talk and affirmations
• Journaling
• Setting boundaries
• Practicing gratitude 
• Using checklists
• Making schedules 

Social awareness

High school is a time for students to learn about the wider world they’ll soon be in. Today’s high schools are full of different backgrounds and perspectives. Social awareness enables students to identify and relate to others. It teaches teens to understand the importance of group dynamics and realize their actions have direct impacts on others. 

Improving social awareness allows students to succeed in group work, resolve conflicts, and create and nurture meaningful relationships.

Relationship skills

Learning to navigate relationships in healthy ways can be complicated during the teen years. Most teenagers haven’t yet learned how to communicate clearly, and they often struggle with peer pressure and may not know how to ask for help. 

SEL strategies for high school students teach important relationship skills and show teens how to advocate for themselves. They’ll start to understand the importance of resolving conflict and repairing connections when things inevitably go wrong.

^{EXPERT INSIGHTS}
One mental health barrier that can impede healthy teen relationships is social anxiety. Many teens may struggle with having social interactions, however, when that anxiety limits their ability to make connections that can be a sign that additional support may be needed.
_{- Laura Magnuson, MA, MS, LAMFT, VP of Clinical Engagement}

Responsible decision making

As teens enter high school, they gain freedom that brings both opportunities and risks. Responsible decision-making doesn’t come naturally for all teens. They’re not automatically equipped with the skills they need to weigh consequences, evaluate values, and make the healthiest choices for themselves. 

SEL can teach teens to respond to peer pressure and make responsible decisions. High school students in SEL programs learn how to pause and reflect before reacting so their actions align with their goals and values.

How to successfully implement SEL in high school settings

Successful high school SEL programs aren’t add-ons or extras. Research confirms they can be extremely effective, but they need to be fully integrated and embraced outside of the classroom and in the school culture. As an educator or school leader, the first step is establishing a strong foundation within the community through thoughtful planning, collaboration, and consistent effort.

Start with staff buy-in and training

Staff and faculty buy-in is crucial to creating a successful SEL program. SEL principles will almost always fail if teachers aren’t on board. 

Offer training sessions to help educators understand the importance of SEL programs. Throughout their training, they’ll gain the confidence to model the skills themselves. For example, a teacher who demonstrates self-management during a stressful class or shows social awareness during an intense discussion sets an important example for students.

It’s critical to dedicate time, support, and resources to professional development in SEL so that faculty and staff are equipped to identify and nurture struggling students.

Integrate SEL into the academic curriculum

SEL strategies for high school can’t be done in a silo. The truth is that social-emotional learning is most effective when teachers and schools blend lessons into core classes, advisory periods, and school-wide projects. By not compartmentalizing it, SEL becomes part of students’ daily learning experiences. It helps them connect what they’re learning to real life and who they are as individuals.

Examples of how to integrate SEL into the curriculum include:

• In an English class: Have students reflect on a character’s motives or identify how conflict in a story relates to real-life relationships.
• In a science class: Students might discuss the ethical implications of technology as they practice responsible and healthy decision-making.
• In group projects: Set aside time to discuss the importance of collaboration and how to practice conflict resolution in respectful and constructive ways.

Create a supportive school climate

Creating a safe and welcoming environment in the classroom is foundational to SEL efforts. Students thrive when their physical spaces are inclusive and emotionally secure. A supportive and inclusive classroom doesn’t require a huge overhaul. Even small changes, like having “calming corners” or implementing conversation guidelines, can make a significant difference. Peer mentoring programs can help address bullying and encourage kindness. 

In general, a school climate should celebrate diversity so everyone feels like they belong. Students in these environments will show up more confident, engaged, and ready to learn.

^{EXPERT INSIGHTS}
"Something as small as having a teacher or administrator welcome students on campus in the morning and saying “hi” can help to create a more welcoming and emotionally safe environment."
_{- Laura Magnuson, MA, MS, LAMFT, VP of Clinical Engagement}

Use data to monitor progress

The most effective SEL programs use feedback and data to adjust how they work. Schools can also use surveys, track disciplinary incidents, and gather helpful input from students and families. The feedback you get tells you what’s working, where you can refine your efforts, and adjust support where needed. 

Monitoring your program's progress will ultimately increase buy-in. It shows that you’re committed to creating a program that makes a genuine difference, not just checking a box.

High school SEL activities that work

SEL is most effective when it’s woven into everyday moments rather than being taught in isolated lessons. Thus, it’s important to make activities part of the daily high school experience. This lets schools help students build skills that stick. It enables them to see changes in their relationships, stress levels, and self-image.

Individual activities

Having students learn and practice SEL activities gives them space to grow and find personal insight. Encourage students to:

• Journal: Journaling allows students to reflect on their emotions. It gives them a place to express challenges and talk about things they’ve accomplished. Putting feelings into words helps individuals identify patterns and triggers, enabling them to learn coping skills and better manage challenging experiences.
• Mindfulness: Mindful exercises like guided breathing, body scans, and short meditations help students focus on the present. For many teens, these exercises can offer relief from racing thoughts and feeling out of control with their emotions.
• Set goals: Have students write down small and achievable goals each week. Show them how to track their progress, and don’t forget to celebrate the small wins. This teaches high school students that growth, even when it’s slow, is still progress.

Classroom activities

SEL and educational lessons should be implemented in classroom settings and activities. When students learn alongside their peers, it encourages connection and teaches them to be vulnerable.

• Circle discussions: Structured conversations give every student the opportunity to speak about their feelings and challenges. It’s an effective way to enforce the importance of communication. Don’t forget to encourage students to also share examples of when they’ve seen kindness.
• Role-playing: Role-playing exercises give students the chance to practice conflict resolution and learn how to respond to difficult encounters with others. It’s a place where they can practice making tough decisions while knowing they’re in a safe environment.
• Collaborative projects: When done well, group projects offer students a chance to practice relationship skills and responsible decision-making. You can improve success rates by assigning roles, having students reflect on teamwork, and giving peer feedback.

School-wide initiatives

Creating a healthy and positive school community requires support from everyone. School-wide SEL activities that can be effective include:

• Peer mentor programs: Consider having upper-class students mentor younger ones. They can provide support and model the social-emotional skills they’ve learned over the years.
• Awareness weeks: Dedicating and planning themed awareness weeks throughout the year helps normalize discussions about emotions and empathy. You might use topics like anti-bullying, mental wellness, or gratitude. The possibilities are endless, and creating awareness helps high schoolers understand that essential issues must be dealt with.
• Recognition programs: It’s important to celebrate students outside of academics. Create recognition programs that reward kindness, leadership, resilience and improvement alongside academic achievement. 

Partnering for mental wellness in and beyond the classroom 

The best way to implement SEL in high schools is by making it something everyone can engage in. In addition to school-wide educational programs and mental health initiatives in schools, you can also partner with resources that offer access to mental health professionals. Emotional well-being is not only vital for students, but it’s also critical for the larger community, including teachers and staff, too. Digital platforms like Talkspace provide direct access to licensed and experienced therapists, ensuring that everyone has the emotional support they need. 

Talkspace can be a valuable resource for teacher support and mental healthcare while expanding access to care for students. Emotional wellness isn’t a solo effort. It’s a shared, supported journey that benefits everyone involved. Request a demo and learn how to implement SEL initiatives in your school with Talkspace.

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Sources:

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1. Taylor, Rebecca D., Eva Oberle, Joseph A. Durlak, and Roger P. Weissberg. “Promoting Positive Youth Development Through School‐Based Social and Emotional Learning Interventions: A Meta‐Analysis of Follow‐Up Effects.” Child Development 88, no. 4 (July 1, 2017): 1156–71. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.12864. Accessed August 18, 2025.
2. Cristóvão, Ana M., Adelinda A. Candeias, and José Verdasca. “Social and Emotional Learning and Academic Achievement in Portuguese Schools: A Bibliometric Study.” Frontiers in Psychology 8 (November 8, 2017). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01913. Accessed August 18, 2025.
3. Durlak, Joseph A., Joseph L. Mahoney, and Alaina E. Boyle. “What We Know, and What We Need to Find out about Universal, School-Based Social and Emotional Learning Programs for Children and Adolescents: A Review of Meta-Analyses and Directions for Future Research.” Psychological Bulletin 148, no. 11–12 (November 1, 2022): 765–82. https://doi.org/10.1037/bul0000383. Accessed August 18, 2025.
4. Learning Policy Institute. “Evidence for Social and Emotional Learning in Schools,” March 6, 2023. https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/evidence-social-emotional-learning-schools-brief. Accessed August 18, 2025.
5. CASEL. “Advancing Social and Emotional Learning - CASEL,” July 2, 2025. https://casel.org/. Accessed August 18, 2025.
6. Durlak, Joseph A., Roger P. Weissberg, Allison B. Dymnicki, Rebecca D. Taylor, and Kriston B. Schellinger. “The Impact of Enhancing Students’ Social and Emotional Learning: A Meta‐Analysis of School‐Based Universal Interventions.” Child Development 82, no. 1 (January 1, 2011): 405–32. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8624.2010.01564.x. Accessed August 18, 2025.

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