December 23, 2024, 11:00 a.m.
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.
