Covid, social media usage cause ‘child loneliness’

TDT | Manama                          

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com    

Reported by Julia Cassano

Although we live in a digital world which connects people more than ever before, loneliness has been on the rise and online interaction amongst children may not be as beneficial as it can be portrayed.

A new global survey published by Ipsos showcased a rise in loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic and reported that globally, two in five people (41 percent) have reported feeling lonelier.

Dr Mariam Alammadi, a licensed psychologist, told The Daily Tribune: “Sadly, there are multiple factors that can result in a child feeling lonely, including neglect, feeling excluded, changing schools or neighbourhood, loss of friends, bullying, frequent boredom, and a death of a loved one.”

Further explaining, Dr Miriam said: “As social experiences are important for a child’s development, a crisis such as the Covid pandemic is important to discuss as it left lasting impacts amongst children, young people, and adults.” Studies claim that as schools were shuttered and many restrictions were placed, children were deprived from normal social interactions which resulted in social isolation, as well as hindrance regarding their social development.

Dr Miriam claims that another factor new generations face is the advancement of modern technology, and how it has changed the ways in how children interact with one another.

“The majority of adolescents and children would rather interact with each other via instant messaging, instead of engaging in face-to-face interaction. Contrary to common beliefs, engaging with individuals frequently through online chat rooms, does not equate to healthy friendships and relationships.”

A study published in JAMA Psychiatry claimed that adolescents who spend more than three hours daily on social media, displayed heightened risks of psychological and mental health issues, including loneliness and depression. Additionally, negative social media experiences can also contribute to loneliness.”

“Also, children engaging on social media can experience FOMO (fear of missing out) when they see pictures of their friends or peers posting online of events they may not have been invited to or were not aware of, in which this can add to increased feelings of loneliness and rejection”, said Dr Alammadi.

Although social media can be a powerful tool to connect people and users online, it can often polarize individuals as well, and increase feelings of loneliness for children and teenagers. “A child can feel like an outcast if they are being themselves and are later rejected from their peers or family.”

How can parents help with this? “Every child is different; however, there are key questions to keep in mind that can identify how your child is feeling”, Dr Miriam claimed. Questions such as, is your child interacting or talking about peers? Has there been a loss of friendships? Have there been any sleep difficulties noted? Have teachers reported any loss of concentration at school? Do you note mood swings? Have they lost their appetite?

“Parents can help by first and foremost listening and allowing their child to speak to them about their peers without interrupting and judging. It is important for parents to gain an understanding as to how their child views their friendship groups. Sharing your own friendship stories and discussing similar experiences with your child can help them to open up and be comfortable with sharing their own experiences.”