By Scarlett Lewis, Chief Movement Officer, Choose Love Movement
Every child deserves to walk into school feeling safe, supported, and seen. But in today’s world, where anxiety, bullying, and violence are on the rise, emotional safety has become just as important as physical security. That’s why the Choose Love Movement is more than a message — it’s a mission.
The Challenge: Rising Need for Emotional Support in Schools
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According to the CDC’s 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 42% of high school students reported feeling persistently sad or hopeless — a significant increase over the past decade.
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1 in 5 students is bullied on school property, and many more experience emotional isolation or stress.
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The U.S. Secret Service’s Safe School Initiative found that most school violence is preventable, and a key to prevention is strong social-emotional support systems.
These aren’t just numbers. They reflect a deep need in our schools — not just for metal detectors or rules, but for connection, compassion, and courage.
The Solution: Choosing Love
The Choose Love Movement empowers schools and communities with tools to build safer, more connected environments — from the inside out.
At the heart of the movement are four powerful pillars:
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Courage – to speak up, stand up, and make compassionate choices.
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Gratitude – to focus on what’s good, even in hard times.
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Forgiveness – to let go of pain and resentment.
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Compassion-in-Action – to take kindness beyond words into meaningful action.
When students practice these values daily, they build emotional resilience, reduce conflict, and strengthen relationships. They learn not just what to think, but how to be — with themselves and each other.
Real Impact: The Science of SEL (Social and Emotional Learning)
Schools implementing programs like Choose Love have reported:
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*A 20% reduction in bullying behaviors
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*A 13% increase in academic performance
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*Improvements in empathy, cooperation, and classroom climate
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*Decreases in anxiety, depression, and disruptive behaviors
- **98% of the teachers find Choose Love curriculum content important for themselves and their students
*Source: CASEL, Education Development Center, and Choose Love Movement data
**Source; Choose Love Movement 2025 Educator Survey
Choosing Love is a Daily Practice
This isn’t just a curriculum. It’s a mindset — one that says:
“I choose love over fear. I choose compassion over anger. I choose connection over conflict.”
When schools embrace this philosophy, the results are transformative. Classrooms become calmer. Students feel more secure. Teachers feel supported. And communities grow stronger.
How You Can Help
Whether you’re a parent, educator, counselor, or concerned citizen, you can bring the Choose Love message to your school:
- Introduce the free Choose Love for Schools™ curriculum to your school admin or teachers
- Start a Choose Love Club or parent group
- Encourage acts of compassion and gratitude in your classroom or home
- Share this message on social media using #ChooseLoveMovement
In a world where so much is uncertain, choosing love is the most powerful, transformative act we can make. Let’s build schools where every child feels safe, every voice is heard, and every heart is valued.
Because love isn’t just an emotion — it’s a solution.
