Speaker
Description
Ingunn Størksen is a professor of educational psychology at the Centre for Learning Environment at the University of Stavanger. She has led multiple research and development initiatives focused on early childhood education and care (ECEC), with particular emphasis on children’s emotional development, social skills, and self-regulation. Currently, Størksen leads a large randomized controlled trial (RCT) known as SELMA, which aims to foster children’s social and emotional development, well-being, and sense of mastery, thereby helping to prevent bullying and harassment among young children.
Social and emotional development, well-being, and a sense of mastery in early childhood form the foundation for lifelong health, educational achievement, and social adjustment. While the importance of high-quality ECEC is widely recognized, much of the focus remains on pre-academic skills. However, with growing awareness around mental health, positive social interactions, and overall well-being, social and emotional learning (SEL) interventions have become critical for equipping children with the tools they need for lifelong resilience and empathy. This presentation focuses on how early childhood SEL interventions can strengthen children’s social skills and prevent bullying.
