Wellbeing in Online Schooling: Practical Support for Students and Families
At Infinite, student well-being is an important part of a successful learning journey. In an online school environment, ensuring students feel supported, connected, and confident can make a significant difference to both their well-being and their learning.
Supporting this important work is our Wellbeing Counsellor, Stef Williamson. Stef brings a wealth of experience in somatic psychotherapy, therapeutic counselling, and social work, alongside a genuine passion for helping young people navigate the challenges of adolescence and education.
Building Connection in an Online Environment
While online learning offers flexibility and accessibility, it also comes with unique challenges. One of the biggest, Stef says, is the amount of time students spend in front of screens.
“Our brains and nervous systems aren’t designed to be on screens all day,” she says.
Stef encourages students to take regular screen breaks throughout the day, spend time outdoors, and maintain offline hobbies and social connections.
“Screen breaks, getting fresh air, social contact, hobbies, time with friends, and movement are extra important in an online learning environment,” she says.
While counselling sessions take place online, Stef says meaningful connections can still be built in a virtual setting.
“The same way as I would in a physical therapy room, by getting to know the young person, their struggles and their strengths,” she explains.
Stef says online sessions can sometimes help students feel more comfortable opening up, particularly when they are in familiar surroundings.
“I enjoy that my clients can show me their favourite things, and I often get home tours too. My animals will often feature in the background, which is usually a great ice breaker.”
A Personalised Approach to Wellbeing Support
Stef says there is no single approach that works for every student.
“Each person is unique, and I don’t feel prescriptive treatment approaches work all that well,” she says. “One size does not fit all.”
Support strategies are tailored to the individual needs of each student and may include practical wellbeing tools, resources, or guidance towards additional external support where appropriate.
Infinite’s pastoral team also works collaboratively to support student wellbeing across the school community.
“The Infinite pastoral team meets weekly, and we are great at brainstorming support strategies as needed,” Stef says.
Stef also highlights the importance of confidentiality and student agency within counselling sessions. Parents and caregivers can be involved where appropriate, while ensuring students feel respected and supported throughout the process.
The Link Between Wellbeing and Learning
For Stef, well-being plays a key role in helping students engage positively with learning.
“Generally, a person who is well, content, and has positive strategies to balance wellbeing and study or stress, will have better academic outcomes overall,” she says.
For some students, online learning can also reduce some of the pressures they may have experienced in traditional school settings. Stef notes that some students come to online schooling after difficult experiences such as bullying, anxiety, or sensory overload in busy classroom environments.
“In an online school environment, some of those struggles are mostly eliminated,” she says. “This often means that a student can better focus on their learning whilst also developing confidence to contribute their opinions and have their voice heard.”
Practical Wellbeing Tips for Online Students
Stef encourages students to prioritise healthy daily habits while learning online.
Her advice includes:
She also reminds students to be kind to themselves during stressful periods. “Sometimes, our thoughts and anxieties are our own worst enemies,” she says. “Often, when we put things into perspective, things aren’t actually as bad as they seem in our worried mind.”
“If you’re struggling with the learning content, contact your Dean,” Stef says. “It’s best to address it straight away instead of leaving it and becoming overwhelmed.”
Supporting Families in the Online Learning Journey
Families play an important role in helping students adjust to online learning routines. Creating a quiet and comfortable learning space, encouraging healthy breaks, and supporting students to maintain social activities outside school can all help contribute to positive well-being outcomes.
According to Stef, many families have done an incredible job helping young people adapt to online learning routines.
When asked what advice she would give to families who are new to online schooling, Stef shares:
“Online schooling is very different from correspondence schooling. You are not expected to juggle ‘supervising’ your child alongside all your other responsibilities. Make use of our pastoral team if you have concerns or if you’re noticing that your child is struggling. Whether it be with some of the work or anything else, get in touch with us and we will meet with you and see how we may be able to help.”
At Infinite, well-being is about more than supporting students academically. It is about helping young people feel safe, connected, and supported as they navigate their online learning journey.
Through personalised wellbeing support, strong relationships, and open communication with families, Infinite continues to create an online learning environment where students can build confidence, develop resilience, and thrive both inside and outside the virtual classroom.
Stef reminds students and families that reaching out for support is always a strength, never a weakness. With the right support around them, young people can thrive both inside and outside the virtual classroom.