Challenge Day

Social rejection is one of the few emotional experiences that activate the same neural pathways as physical pain in the brain.
Challenge Day
The Challenge Day leaders started the day by singing, dancing, and getting the children all riled up and out of their comfort zones.
Michael Courter
Updated:
<a href="https://www.theepochtimes.com/assets/uploads/2015/10/1zach_cordner_large010.jpg"><img src="https://www.theepochtimes.com/assets/uploads/2015/10/1zach_cordner_large010.jpg" alt="The Challenge Day leaders started the day by singing, dancing, and getting the children all riled up and out of their comfort zones." title="The Challenge Day leaders started the day by singing, dancing, and getting the children all riled up and out of their comfort zones." width="320" class="size-medium wp-image-1869254"/></a>
The Challenge Day leaders started the day by singing, dancing, and getting the children all riled up and out of their comfort zones.

Bullying and social exclusion are epidemics in our school systems. Research studies have unveiled the powerful, often life-long effects these behaviors can have on people. Increased incidents of anxiety, depression, lower academic performance with a higher likelihood of dropping out, and suicide, can all be linked to bullying. It can even affect one’s physical health.

Social exclusion can be even more powerful. Social psychologists understand peer acceptance as a primal human need, its importance ranks just below the need for food and shelter.

Meanwhile, a recent study by the Institute of Social Research at the University of Michigan concluded that social rejection is one of the few emotional experiences that activate the same neural pathways as physical pain in the brain. The effects of bullying and social rejection are real, profound, and often long-lasting—sometimes well into adulthood.

Michael Courter
Michael Courter
Author
Michael Courter has a master’s degree in Social Work with distinction from California State University Chico and is certified in Parent Child Interaction Therapy. He has been treating individuals and families since 2006.