Loneliness in children and young people
When children and young people feel lonely: Recognizing signals and acting correctly
Loneliness is a feeling that almost everyone experiences at some point. It often passes on its own, but prolonged loneliness can affect both mental and physical health.
Loneliness is often difficult to recognize, especially in children, so it is all the more important that parents become aware of it early on. However, it is not only children but also young people who are severely affected: A study by the NRW state government shows that almost one in five older teenagers and young adults in NRW suffers from severe loneliness.
This article will help you to recognize signs of loneliness in your child and gives practical tips on how you can help.
Why do children and young people feel lonely?
Your child may feel lonely for many different reasons. This could be due to a move to a new city, a change of school or difficulties making friends. Sometimes these feelings also arise when the family situation changes, such as when parents separate. Loneliness can also become a problem if children and young people are excluded or bullied at school.
Signs of loneliness
Children and teenagers don't always talk directly about feeling lonely. It is therefore important to pay attention to certain signals. Loneliness is often expressed in a mixture of different feelings, such as sadness, emptiness, listlessness, boredom and anxiety. Some indications that your child may be feeling lonely could be:
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Withdrawal
Your child becomes increasingly withdrawn, spends more time alone and shows less interest in activities that he or she used to enjoy.
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Sadness or irritability
Your child often seems sad or gets angry more quickly than usual. It can react strongly emotionally to small things.
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Changes in behavior
Your child may talk less about their day, avoid communicating or have difficulty talking about their feelings. Sleeping and eating problems may also occur.
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Physical complaints
Children who feel lonely sometimes complain of headaches or stomach aches without a clear medical reason.
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Increased use of screens
Your child may spend a lot of time in front of their smartphone, tablet or TV as a substitute for social contact.
How you can help your child
If you suspect that your child is feeling lonely, there are various ways in which you can provide support:
It is important that you gently support your child in coping with their loneliness without putting them under pressure. Give them the time they need to open up at their own pace and find new ways. Encourage your child without pushing them and create an environment in which they feel safe and understood.
Where to get help and advice
- Initiatives and services to combat loneliness can be found on the state government website: https://www.land.nrw/einsamkeit
- The "Nummer gegen Kummer" advises children and young people as well as parents - on the phone and online. The telephone number for children and young people is 116 111 from Mon-Sat between 2pm and 8pm. Parents can call 0800 1110 550 for help.
- The telephone counselling service provides support around the clock in difficult life situations - by email, chat or by phone on 0800 1110111 or 0800 1110222.
- Children and young people can discuss their worries on jugendnotmail.de - free of charge, confidentially and around the clock.
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