What Are Ways to Stay Social in Online Schools?
Do online students miss out on social interaction?
It’s a question many parents ask when considering virtual education. The truth is, online students can absolutely build friendships and develop strong social skills—but it requires a more intentional approach than in traditional schools.
Here are simple, effective ways to help your child stay social while learning from home.
1.Why Is Social Interaction Important for Online Students?
- Helps prevent feelings of isolation
- Encourages teamwork and communication skills
- Supports emotional well-being
- Builds confidence and independence
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that social connectedness plays a big role in healthy child development (CDC.gov).
2.How Can Online Students Connect With Teachers and Peers?
While Ogburn focuses on flexible, self-paced learning, students still have valuable opportunities for interaction:
- Emailing teachers directly with questions or updates
- Participating in feedback exchanges with instructors
- Engaging in respectful communication online when guidance is needed
For more on strong parent-teacher relationships, see our blog on Keys to Successful Parent-Teacher Communication.
3.What Are Independent Ways to Build Friendships?
Families can supplement online schooling with outside activities, such as:
- Local community sports teams (soccer, basketball, swimming, etc.)
- Clubs through libraries or community centers (STEM, chess, arts)
- Faith-based groups or youth organizations
- Volunteer programs that allow teens to contribute and connect
The YMCA of the USA notes that community programs give children valuable opportunities to meet peers while learning life skills (YMCA.org).
4.Can Social Media Help Online Students Stay Connected?
Yes—when guided properly. Social platforms can be a great way to build friendships if used safely.
- Create private study groups with classmates
- Share progress, artwork, or creative projects
- Use parent-monitored chats or forums for safe interaction
- Follow educational pages to connect with like-minded peers
For safe and positive online interaction, check out our blog on Ways to Use Social Media as a Student.
5.How Can Parents Support Social Development?
Parents play a central role in making sure online students stay socially engaged:
- Encourage extracurricular activities outside of school hours
- Arrange playdates, meetups, or co-op groups with other homeschooling families
- Balance online connections with face-to-face activities
- Model positive communication and friendship skills at home
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends balancing screen-based interactions with in-person activities for overall student well-being (AAP.org).
FAQs on Staying Social in Online Schools
Q1: Do online schools like Ogburn offer clubs or projects?
No—Ogburn focuses on flexible, self-paced academics. However, students can join community groups or extracurriculars outside of school.
Q2: How can my child avoid isolation while homeschooling?
Encourage a mix of online communication with teachers and in-person activities like sports, volunteering, or youth programs.
Q3: Can online students build lasting friendships?
Yes—through consistent interaction, whether online or in the community, students often form meaningful, lasting connections.
Q4: Is social media safe for online students?
With parental guidance and clear boundaries, social media can be a safe and effective tool for building friendships.
Q5: How does Ogburn support social needs?
While we don’t run clubs or group projects, we provide flexible learning schedules that allow families to dedicate time for social growth outside of school.
Final Thoughts
Staying social in online schooling may look different than in a traditional classroom, but it’s just as achievable. Through family support, community involvement, and intentional digital connections, students can develop strong social skills and friendships while thriving academically.
At Ogburn Online School, our flexible programs give families the freedom to balance academics with social opportunities that best fit their child’s lifestyle.
Learn more about our Accreditation, explore our FAQ, or Enroll Now to join a supportive online learning environment.
