With the new school year officially underway, the October 2016 social good trends reveal a specific focus on making the classroom a safer and more comfortable space for children of all ages. As a result, a number of initiatives have been launched that look beyond academics to focus on other ways to improve the in-school experience.
One of the ways that companies have been improving classroom dynamics is by focusing on the social interactions that occur in schools. For instance, Natalie Hampton created an app called Sit With Us that aims to combat bullying by ensuring that children always have a lunch buddy. Aiming to tackle a very different issue, Playtex Sport created a grant that aims to combat the pressure on women to give up high school sports.
Beyond making school a more friendly and supportive social environment, there is also an emphasis on making these institutions safe and accessible. At the post-secondary level, Lakehead University is tackling this issue with a new app that allows students to summon security if they feel threatened. In terms of accessibility, Whirlpool began installing washing machines and dryers in schools to help those students who miss class simply because they don't have clean clothes to wear.
- Gen Z (primary audience)
- Gen Alpha (primary audience)
- Millennial (primary audience)
- Gen X (primary audience)
