A 2020 study revealed that up to 29% of high school students and 27% of middle school students feel they do not belong in their schools. A 2022 poll indicated that nearly half of high school students share this sentiment. Various factors contribute to this lack of belonging, including being new to a school—where around 70% of children switch schools before high school—and feelings of anxiety or sadness associated with transitions. The sense of not belonging is linked to lower academic performance, decreased social engagement, and negative impacts on mental and physical health. Students who feel unwelcome may withdraw in class, leading to further academic struggles that can persist into adulthood.
https://www.parents.com/signs-your-kid-isnt-fitting-in-at-school-8717826
