On Friday, 26th September, The British School of Barcelona came together with more than 100,000 students and 21,000 teachers from Cognita schools worldwide to celebrate Global Be Well Day (GBWD). Now in its sixth year, GBWD focused on the theme of Connection—reminding us all how important it is to build strong, supportive relationships for our wellbeing.

All our campuses came alive with activities that encouraged students to connect with themselves, with each other, and with the wider community. From assemblies and group discussions to shared reading sessions and even a cultural exchange with visiting students from the Stamford American International School in Singapore, the day was full of opportunities to celebrate the value of being part of something bigger than ourselves.

As part of the worldwide Cognita family, BSB is proud to celebrate this day every year and to keep weaving the theme of connection into our school life—not just for one day, but every day.

5 Tips to Strengthen Connection and Wellbeing

Social bonds are an essential pillar of wellbeing. This is shown by a study carried out by Harvard University, which found that the quality of relationships directly influences physical and mental health, as well as happiness. Research also shows that children perform better in important moments after recalling positive experiences, as this generates a positive sense of self.

As part of GBWD 2025, we would like to share five simple but powerful recommendations to help students and families put connection into practice every day:

1. Rooted in Who You Are

Knowing yourself and staying true to who you are is the foundation for building meaningful relationships. When children and young people learn to identify their core values and set healthy boundaries in friendships, they also learn to connect with others through respect and empathy. Feeling part of a community that values them not only builds self-confidence but also encourages them to support others so that everyone feels included. Every friendship becomes a chance to discover new qualities in themselves and to recognise what connects them with others.

2. Finding Your People

When it comes to friendships, quality matters more than quantity. It is important that children and teenagers understand what makes a friendship genuine, how to tell whether a relationship is good for them, and how to distinguish between a good friend and a great friend. Friendships built on support and mutual trust create a safe space where they can share and open up honestly. During these key years for developing self-esteem, having friends who make them feel seen, heard, and valued turns everyday relationships into deeper and longer-lasting bonds.

3. Digital vs Real World

Technology gives us wonderful opportunities to connect with others who share the same interests, but social media can also sometimes bring challenges—such as sadness, pressure, or the fear of missing out. Helping children and young people reflect on the similarities and differences between online and face-to-face friendships allows them to make healthier choices. Learning to set boundaries with the use of technology and keeping a healthy balance between the digital world and real life helps them stay grounded, safe, and fully present in the moment.

4. The Science of Kindness

Kindness and generosity make communities stronger, more supportive, and more inclusive. They create lasting positive effects and remind us to value and care for the people around us. At school, this can be as simple as a kind word, sharing, making sure no one feels left out, or offering help when someone needs it. Kindness is not just about others—it also improves our own wellbeing. That’s why being kind to ourselves and setting healthy boundaries is so important: it helps us care for ourselves while still showing kindness to those around us.

5. Beyond Your School

Taking part in community or sustainability projects gives children a powerful opportunity to connect with others, practice empathy, and feel that they are making a difference. Helping them identify the causes they are passionate about and find practical ways to contribute allows them to feel empowered. Participating in service projects goes beyond providing practical help: it teaches students to listen to and respect different perspectives, to build leadership and life skills, and to see how their own strengths and talents can create a positive impact in the lives of others.

‘Connection is an antidote to the overstimulation of our modern world. Through intentional habits and genuine relationships, we can nurture empathy, resilience, and a sense of belonging that helps our students thrive’, Carol Coleman, Director of Student Support.