Helping Children and Teens
Cope with Social Isolation
Sheryl Henry, LMHC
How to make good friends is a common concern among children and teens, and one that I hear often as a clinician. On the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic, feelings of loneliness and disconnection have become pervasive in our society and the youngest among us are not exempt. The challenges in establishing connections in youth are well known; we are familiar with the first day of school jitters, lunchroom anxiety, and the range of emotions associated with asking someone to a dance or the prom. However, kids today face a unique set of challenges and insecurities that have undoubtedly been exacerbated by the pandemic. According to data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in a 2021 survey of high school students, 44% reported that they persistently felt sad or hopeless during the past year.
Everyone needs social connections to survive and thrive. Social support can be defined as the help provided by family, friends, groups, and communities, and it is noted to fulfill a variety of emotional and social needs. Additionally, social support is associated with benefits such as improved physical health, higher resilience to stress, improved self-esteem, overall greater life satisfaction, and emotional well being. Youth who feel connected to adults and peers at school are significantly less likely to experience depressive symptoms, have suicidal ideations, or attempt suicide.
So what can we do to help the children and teens in our lives?
First, it is important to examine the factors contributing to their social isolation:
Is the child being bullied?
Adjusting to a recent move?
Attending a new school?
Having trouble fitting in? Why?
It may also help to:
A. Increase community involvement: A great way to explore your child’s current interests by having them participate in extracurricular activities, volunteering, or religious groups. This could open the door to meet like-minded people, and connect with others they might not normally interact with. It is important that activities are not forced, and the experience is enjoyable for your child.
B. Encourage nurturing existing relationships: Encourage your child to reach out to friends and family. Teach them that it is important to prioritize maintaining their most important relationships, even when other areas of their lives are busy.
C. Encourage using professional support: Teachers, doctors, therapists, social workers, and other professionals can help your child solve problems that are more complicated, or too difficult to tackle alone.
If you, or someone you know, may be interested in learning more about Sheryl's clinical work with children, teens, and women, please contact Sheryl Henry, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, at Life Connections: 813.265.3859 or shenry@lc-online.org.
Sheryl Henry, LMHC, holds degrees from USF (Magna Cum Laude) and Liberty University. Click here to see Sheryl's Bio!
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