The Mental Health Foundation have conducted research into how loneliness has impacted young people during the pandemic and the report is listed below in wider resources, very relevant when we consider the impact on those leaving school during this time.
The MHF has released their #UnlockLoneliness campaign. As part of this research, they spoke with a diverse group of young people across the UK who expressed the following:
- “It feels like you are not important to anybody”
- “It feels like nobody needs you and you are not valuable”
- “It feels like you no longer exist”
There was work conducted early in the pandemic to gather statistics and views from children, young people and young adults on their main concerns moving forward. The top concern raised was isolation and loneliness.
- 35% of young people said they feel lonely often or most of the time despite spending three hours on social media
- In late November 2020, almost half of 18-24 year olds reported being lonely during lockdown
- A YouGov poll found that 69% of 13-19 year olds felt alone “often” or “sometimes” in the last fortnight and 59% feel they have no one to talk to “often” or “sometimes”
An important aspect of the pandemic for our young people and something worth exploring in greater detail. There will be an article on our Education Community regarding this information shortly.
Relevant Resources and Reading https://www.mentalhealth...-policy-young-people.pdf https://youngminds.org.u...rus-report_march2020.pdf https://www.whatsupwitheveryone.com
