Young people and loneliness are increasingly connected in ways that aren’t always easy to see. A young person can have hundreds of followers, group chats, classmates, and online connections and still feel like they have no one to truly talk to. That is one of the most complicated realities of growing up today. Loneliness isn’t…
Mentoring and confidence are closely connected. Sometimes, a young person doesn’t need someone to tell them they’re capable. They need someone who believes in them long enough for them to start believing it themselves. Confidence can be difficult to see from the outside. A young person may look quiet in class, hesitate to join a…
AI and human connection are becoming increasingly important parts of growing up in a digital world. AI can answer questions, help with homework, write stories, suggest ideas, and even hold a conversation when someone feels like talking. But can it really be a friend? For young people growing up alongside increasingly sophisticated technology, that question…
Through small donations of time, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Long Island have been making a difference in the lives of local youth since 1977. The community and site-based mentorship program helps children from all walks of life with everything from educational achievement to social development.
Mentoring relationships can have a lasting impact on a young person’s life. Children may not remember every piece of advice they receive, but they often remember the adults who consistently showed up for them. That’s one of the most important lessons in youth mentoring. A mentor doesn’t need to have the perfect answer or deliver…
Connection Over Perfection: Why Today’s Kids Need Belonging Today’s children are more accomplished than ever — and yet, many of them have never felt more alone. That contradiction is at the heart of what many educators and psychologists now call the belonging crisis, and it’s exactly why connection over perfection matters more than ever for…
Can AI Replace a Mentor? Why Human Connection Still Wins Artificial intelligence can answer questions in seconds. But can it help a child believe in themselves? Artificial intelligence is changing the way young people learn, communicate, and solve problems. From getting homework help to brainstorming creative ideas, AI has quickly become part of everyday life…
Why Relationships and Academic Success Go Together Academic success isn’t built on grades alone. In fact, the real foundation of relationships and academic success lies in the connections that give children the confidence to learn, ask questions, and believe in themselves. When we think about helping children succeed in school, our minds often go straight…
