Mackenzie Wright
22 December 2023
Feature

Children, Teens, and Young Adults in an Epidemic of Loneliness

Experts say there are a number of demographics vulnerable to loneliness. A big and more obvious one, they say, is our elderly and senior populations--who may be less mobile, or live far away from busy family members and loved ones. There’s growing concern however, for our youth, and the level of loneliness and isolation they’re reeling from.

Mackenzie Wright

Back in September of this year, The Frame set out to learn more about a community conversation series regarding loneliness. The Frame’s Mackenzie Wright took a visit to Temple Beth Sholom--one of the many organizers of the series called Together in a Loneliness Epidemic.

Since then, our conversation about loneliness and isolation has continued, with a more in depth look at how this epidemic is impacting one group in particular: children, teens, and young adults.

Experts say there are a number of demographics vulnerable to loneliness. A big and more obvious one, they say, is our elderly and senior populations--who may be less mobile, or live far away from busy family members and loved ones. There’s growing concern however, for our youth, and the level of loneliness and isolation they’re reeling from. It’s been a topic of discussion for nearly a decade, but of course COVID 19--a pandemic shrouded in isolation--made the epidemic of loneliness even worse.

If you find yourself needing to connect with Call 2 Talk, dial 508-532-2255. They are there for you 24/7, 365 days a year, and are also a National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Crisis Center.

Further articles

This week on The Frame: Framingham voters reelect Charlie Sisitsky as mayor, local food providers and nonprofits deal with increased demand amid SNAP uncertainty, and a preview of the second annual Access Film Festival.

Local school leaders are progressing through a feasibility study to develop a plan for a new elementary school along Bethany Road, which would replace Hemenway Elementary. The company brought on board for the process estimates that construction could begin in September 2028.

About 23% of registered Framingham voters cast a ballot in 2025. Charlie Sisitsky defeated Geoff Epstein to win another term as mayor, while John Stefanini and Mary Kate Feeney won in their respective City Council races. Brandon Ward and Michael Cannon were reelected to the local legislative board, while Lorena Tovar and Brent Lewis were victorious in their School Committee bids. Changes to the city's Home Rule Charter received overwhelming support as well.