How to prevent loneliness in teens

One of the strongest predictors of happiness is social connection. However, over the past two decades, the amount of time young people spend socializing has decreased 70% and the rate of loneliness has increased every year between 1976 and 2019. How can you help your teen avoid experiencing this social isolation? Watch out for these three things, which can sever our social connections with others:

Harmful and excessive media use
Unhealthy relationships
Too much screen time

Interested in helping your kids increase their social connection? Model these three things:
Constructive conflict resolution
Spending time together. Put away your phone and minimize distractions to maximize the quality of time you spend together.
Regular contact with extended family. Connect daily with your friends.
Community service. Stress the importance of kindness and respect.

Visit our website for more MomDocs tips: https://www.stlouischildrens.org/heal...
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/2vHvSCw
Like us on Facebook:   / stlchildrens  
Follow us on Instagram:   / stlchildrens  
Learn More About Donating on YouTube: https://support.google.com/youtube/?p...

The St. Louis Children’s Hospital YouTube station is intended as a reference and information source only. If you suspect you have a health problem, you should seek immediate care with the appropriate health care professionals. The information on this website is not a substitute for professional care, and must not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. For help finding a doctor, St. Louis Children's Hospital Answer Line may be of assistance at 314.454.KIDS (5437). The opinions expressed in these videos are those of the individual writers, not necessarily St. Louis Children's Hospital or Washington University School of Medicine. BJC HealthCare and Washington University School of Medicine assume no liability for the information contained in this website or for its use.