Authors: Ending Loneliness Together and Orygen.
Executive Summary
Loneliness is a World Health Organization global public health priority. Loneliness is linked to a wide range of negative health and social outcomes, including poor mental and physical health, reduced social connection, and increased risk of premature death. Loneliness and its impact on mental health and wellbeing is a growing issue affecting young people in Australia. Young people, particularly those aged 15–24 years, are the loneliest age group in the country. Rates have been steadily increasing since 2008, with recent jumps in 2015 and again during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown periods.
Several key factors appear to be contributing to youth loneliness. Life transitions, such as leaving school or entering the workforce, can result in feelings of isolation. The digitalisation of social interactions has also altered how young people connect with each other, often reducing faceto-face interactions, and exacerbating these feelings. Some young people feel lonely even in the company of their peers. However, we still have a lot to learn about the long-term impacts of loneliness on young people. Further research is required to better understand how transient loneliness during adolescence can evolve into chronic loneliness and affect future life outcomes.
Loneliness and social isolation are two forms of social disconnection. Having strong social connections (that is, less loneliness and social isolation) can promote better health and wellbeing. A whole-of-government approach is required to embed social connection outcomes into all policies that shape the way young people live, learn, work, and engage with their communities.
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