Tackle loneliness in young

Dear Editor

Loneliness among younger people is hugely underreported, but our research is clear that social isolation affects the mental health of young people more than any other age group. Our children are finding life harder to navigate than previous generations, and worryingly, they are living with high levels of distress. This is something we can no longer choose to ignore.

Relationships and social connections remain at the heart of what makes and breaks our mental health. A child’s ability to communicate and form relationships is vital right from the point that they enter the education system if they are to thrive at school - and “school readiness” is one of the strongest predictors of whether a child will go on to develop mental health problems.

We need to acknowledge the important role that both parents and teachers play in helping young people to develop good relationship building skills and do more to support adults under stress, ensuring that they are equipped to support our young people and that their own stress doesn’t leak onto those in their charge. This is vital as parental mental health has a direct impact on young people’s mental health.

If the Scottish Government is serious about making 2018 the Year of Young People then it must place health and wellbeing at the heart of the school curriculum - not at the sidelines as it currently is. It needs to invest in schoolbased counselling and give teachers the training they need to create inclusive environments and explore mental health. Isabella Goldie Director Mental Health Foundation