Fostering Key Competencies in Education: Empowering Students with Social and Emotional Skills

In a rapidly changing world shaped by technological advances, social complexity, and political uncertainty, children and adolescents are increasingly vulnerable to mental health challenges. Schools, therefore, have a vital role—not only in academic development, but in fostering the emotional and social competencies essential for psychological well-being and resilience.

This symposium addresses these pressing issues by presenting innovative, evidence- based tools that promote psychological well-being and inclusion through the development of key competencies in educational settings.

Moderated by Konstanze Schoeps, the session brings together international experts whose work explores the intersection of psychology, education, and technology. Mario Del Líbano Miralles examines how playful learning environments can nurture empathy, respect, and diversity—critical factors in fostering a sense of belonging and emotional safety. Hannu Savolainen introduces the SO-WELL-AWARE project, focused on enhancing students’ subjective well-being and identifying systemic factors that impact mental health in schools. Alessia Signorelli presents the SEL4@ll initiative, a serious game aimed at developing emotional and social skills to strengthen resilience and social inclusion. Valeria Cesaroni discusses the role of artificial intelligence in supporting learners with special educational needs, offering personalized tools to enhance learning and emotional development.

Together, these contributions highlight the importance of equipping young people with social-emotional competencies as a foundation for mental health. The symposium offers valuable insights for psychologists, educators, and researchers seeking to create more supportive and inclusive educational environments.