Recent research highlights a significant issue of isolation among Australians aged 15 to 35, revealing that approximately one in seven young individuals is facing "persistent loneliness." This finding, published by the organisation Ending Loneliness Together in their report titled A Call for Connection: Understanding and Addressing Youth Loneliness in Australia, illustrates a troubling trend where feelings of loneliness last for over two years.
Associate Professor Michelle Lim, CEO of Ending Loneliness Together, asserts that loneliness is distinct from simply being alone; a person can feel lonely even when surrounded by others. This phenomenon underscores the importance of the quality of relationships over their quantity. The report indicates that young individuals who spend time with family or friends at least once a week are three times less likely to experience feelings of loneliness. In contrast, those not engaged in sports, hobbies, or community activities are 1.5 times more prone to feel persistently lonely, a situation exacerbated by financial difficulties, which double the risk of loneliness.
The upcoming National Loneliness Awareness Week, from August 4-10, aims to address this crisis by promoting the significance of creating connections through small interactions. Lim emphasises that forming friendships and establishing connections requires effort but can start with simple gestures such as greetings, acts of kindness, or shared interests. These small, meaningful moments are essential for fostering connections and making individuals feel valued.
The findings were shared during a presentation at parliament, where Ending Loneliness Together called for a unified national strategy to tackle the loneliness epidemic. The statistics indeed present a pressing concern for Australia’s youth, highlighting the need for comprehensive support and community engagement to combat loneliness effectively.