Reflections on a Youth Loneliness Conference

On 17 March, Warm Welcome Co-ordinator Rianna Ward attended a Conference on Youth Loneliness at the Royal Danish Embassy. The conference focussed on how the UK and Denmark collectively tackle loneliness. It explored topics of loneliness amongst young people, the impact of social media and mental health along with interventions and the role of society.

There was an interesting discussion on the UK’s response to loneliness as a matter of public health, with the appointment of the UK’s first loneliness minister. The conference heard that it will be essential to take a cross-sectional approach to tackling loneliness.

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The climate that young people are working in with the impact of covid and multiple lockdowns, with the school system going online, has meant young people have had to adapt. Social media has been a form of social connection for many young people.

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There may be a perception that young people are digitally connected, and while this can be beneficial for staying in touch with others, this can lead to passive interactions. An example of this would be comparing experiences to the ‘ideal picture’ shown on social media of friendship groups. There may be unrealistic expectations on young people to go out and have fun but one young person said “this is hard to do without friends”.

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Professor Pamela Qualter explored ideas of social relationships being the foundation for young people and suggested that a lack of connection leads to painful disconnection from others. This can present in many ways including anxiety, disengagement with studies, low self-esteem and physical symptoms. Chronic loneliness for young people can be detrimental to their academic and life potential.

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The Danish Ambassador, René Dinesen said: “Together with empathy, we can connect with young people, so they can thrive in their social and personal life,” and emphasised the collective need to tackle youth loneliness. One example of a youth club in Denmark that supports young people is called ‘Go Gaming’, using young people’s interest in video games to develop social skills. This encourages young people to be together.

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Another great example shared at the conference was from Bromley Council’s strategy which continues to raise awareness during Loneliness Awareness Week, and the council has hosted Big Lunches and community outreach projects.

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One takeaway from this conference was the importance of safe spaces for young people, with the lack of youth clubs, the increasing demand for academic achievement and the increasing need for safe social spaces.

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