THERE IS A growing loneliness epidemic among young people in Ireland. While conversations about social isolation often focus on the elderly, now, more than ever, we also need to talk about its impact on the young.

Like all emotions, occasional loneliness is a normal part of life. However, persistent loneliness and strong feelings of isolation can have a profound negative impact on young people’s mental health. 

Loneliness is one of the top concerns reported by young people using spunout’s Text About It messaging service, while a recent report reveals that one-in-five young people aged between 12 and 34 are experiencing loneliness.

These findings are supported by a growing body of research. Just last month, the OECD reported that people aged 16 to 24 were found to be the most likely group in Ireland to report feeling “lonely most or all of the time”. spunout’s own research also found individuals in this age group are at a higher risk of feeling lonely.

This backs up findings from the 2023 EU Loneliness Survey, which ranked Ireland the loneliest country in Europe, with young people more at risk of loneliness than the elderly.

It is not surprising that feelings of loneliness are also linked to anxiety, sadness and stress. Many young people using Text About It discuss other emotions alongside their feelings of........

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