Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World

Chapter 8 is about fostering social connections in children. Human contact is central to children of all ages. However, societal changes have led to increases in childhood loneliness, the root cause of much adult depression, self-harm, and violence. Parents must model inclusive behavior and speak to their children about friendship and compassion. Parents must also support their children. Indeed, studies show that children with supportive parents are more socially adept and have higher self-esteem and fewer academic problems than children with aggressive or disengaged parents. Neighbors and other trusted adults can also foster social competence in children.

Middle school marks a change in how children learn. Rather than looking to their parents, children turn to their peers for information. Thus, peer-to-peer programs, such as Beyond Differences, a California-based nonprofit, are central to combatting social isolation in children. Beyond Differences teaches children how understand body language to make people feel included, accepted, and heard.

Technologies present new challenges for parents. Children are spending an increasing amount of time in front of screens and less time engaging in face-to-face interaction. Some experts view screen time as a danger to social development. However, experts at the National Programs and Outreach for the Child Mind Institute, an organization focusing on children with mental health problems, take a more nuanced view, arguing that the impact of screens varies from child to child.