Children and young people today are growing up in a very different world to the one many of us grew up in.

Thanks to the online world and social media, young people are more connected than ever, able to speak to distant friends around the clock at the push of a button.

But loneliness is still a huge factor in the lives of many children, including here in Hampshire.

The NSPCC’s Childline service delivered almost 5,000 counselling sessions to young people last year where the main topic of concern was loneliness.

Some said they had been bullied by their peers, while others felt they were missing out on fun after seeing their friends’ social media posts.
Others said their loneliness was caused by moving house and having to make new friends, or because their parents worked long hours.

One 16-year-old girl told Childline counsellors:
“I feel so lonely all the time, I end up crying and trying to sleep until the feeling goes away.
I’ve tried to help myself, but nothing worked. I feel like I’ve been this way forever, I need this to change.”

Another girl, aged 11, said:
“I feel so lonely at school, I only really have one friend. What’s harder though is I feel I can’t talk about how much it upsets me.
My parents seem annoyed or judgemental when I try to talk about my feelings. Speaking to Childline feels like a weight has been lifted.”

Loneliness can have an enormous impact on children’s mental health and can leave them feeling hopeless and unseen.
It is heart-breaking to know so many young people turn to Childline because they feel lonely and isolated.

The bleakness of mid-winter means we are experiencing short, cold days and long, dark nights.
All of which can make feelings of loneliness even more intense, so it is hugely important that children know they don’t have to face these emotions alone.

If you are worried about a child, try to encourage them to speak to you about it – let them know they can talk about their feelings and won’t be judged.
By reassuring them they can speak openly, they may be more likely to do so.

Also, remind them that if they don’t feel comfortable speaking to you about their feelings and emotions, the NSPCC’s Childline counsellors are available around the clock on the phone – on 0800 1111 – or online to offer free and confidential support whenever they need it.

Without prying, see if you can discover what they feel is causing the problem – ask if they know why they might be feeling this way, and reassure them that their emotions are valid.
You could offer to help the child find opportunities to connect with their peers, perhaps through hobbies or clubs, and remind them of the positive relationships and achievements in their lives to boost their confidence.

The most important thing is to try and build a supportive environment.
Remember, loneliness isn’t something that can be resolved with one conversation.

But by creating an environment of openness where a child can talk to you or Childline about their feelings and any struggles they may be facing, it is possible to help them feel better.

Childline is here for every young person, no matter what their situation.
Whether they are missing a friend, struggling at school, or finding it difficult to talk to those around them, our counsellors are ready to listen and provide support.

We have also created a new online service called Building Connections to support young people who may be dealing with loneliness.

Building Connections is an online text-based service available to anyone up to the age of 19 and matches young people with a trained befriender from the NSPCC.
Over 11 weeks, these experts will help them to build their confidence and better manage their loneliness.

To find out more about Building Connections or to refer a child to the service, search online for ‘NSPCC Building Connections’.

Children can also speak to others their own age through the moderated Childline message boards to find out how other young people have dealt with similar situations, and there are resources available on the Childline website which may help.