How We Can Reduce Loneliness in Adolescents

Duration: 1 hr 16 mins Publication Date: 8 Apr 2025 Next Review Date: 8 Apr 2028 DOI: 10.13056/acamh.13773

Description

In this thought-provoking talk, Dr. Jaffee, Dr. Thompson, Dr. Aughterson, and Dr. Wong address the urgent issue of adolescent loneliness and explore practical solutions to foster connection and mental wellbeing in young people. The expert panel examines the profound impact of the environment on youth mental health and isolation. From creating community spaces to counteract loneliness to analyzing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on social trust and mental health, the session covers a wide range of topics. It also introduces the groundbreaking concept of social prescribing and discusses how community interventions can reduce isolation. The talk offers a deep dive into childhood loneliness as a potential taboo and investigates how both genetic and environmental factors shape social isolation in children, particularly in relation to mental health issues such as depression, conduct problems, and psychosis. The discussion considers whether loneliness is both a cause and a consequence of mental health struggles. Finally, the speakers share strategies for managing social media and smartphone use to enhance connection and support adolescent mental health. The session provides actionable insights on how communities can work together to combat loneliness and create healthier, more connected environments for young people.

Learning Objectives

A. To understand the concept of adolescent loneliness by exploring the environmental and genetic factors that contribute to social isolation in young people and its impact on mental health.

B. To understand the potential advantages of social prescribing and community interventions by learning how these approaches can combat loneliness and improve mental wellbeing in adolescents.

C. To recognise the nuanced role of social media in adolescent loneliness by understanding how it can both exacerbate feelings of isolation and serve as a valuable tool for connection, depending on its use and context.