The current generation of teens are on track to become the loneliest generation in human history. Research shows that connection offers the solution to the loneliness epidemic, and mentoring can be the key that unlocks that connection.
What is loneliness?
Loneliness is a feeling of lack or loss of companionship and connection that impacts individuals of all ages. It has become increasingly prevalent among young people over the last decade. This growing sense of isolation, often intensified by the digital age and societal changes, can have serious repercussions for the mental and physical health of our young people.
This is a globally significant and concerning issue.
- In 2018 the UK appointed a Minister for Loneliness
- In 2021 Japan appointed a Minister for Loneliness
- In 2023:
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- The World Health Organisation declared loneliness to be a pressing global health threat with social isolation knowing no age or boundaries.
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- The US Surgeon General declared social isolation an epidemic.
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- A Harvard study found socially isolated people are 40% more likely to die early.
In Australia, young men aged 16-24 have overtaken the over 65’s as our loneliest demographic. In fact, the current generation of teens are on track to become the loneliest generation in human history.
Loneliness has been referred to as the ‘new smoking’ due to its long-term damage to our health and mental well-being. Chronically lonely people get sicker, are more at risk of cardiovascular disease, personality disorders, psychosis, dementia and suicide. Social isolation sends the body into a state of emergency – pushing up cortisol, adrenaline and blood pressure. Sleep can be affected and executive functioning is impaired. Young individuals who feel isolated might also develop unhealthy habits, such as poor dietary choices, lack of physical activity, and substance misuse.
At Raise we are seeing this loneliness trend in our programs. When we surveyed our 2025 mentees, who are mostly in Years 8 and 9 at high school, at the start of the program almost half responded that they often feel lonely. In a recent focus group, our mentees told us loneliness can feel like;
- having friends, but you can’t talk to them
- having no-one to talk to
And be caused because they’re often;
- home alone
- being left out
Loneliness makes young people feel like they are not seen or heard.
Loneliness is also regularly discussed with our Raise Youth Advisory Council (YAC) with the group echoing the data in our programs. They discuss loneliness regarding friendships, the increasing difficulty of forming new connections, attempts to establish friendships online, and the scarcity of third spaces.
What can we do about it?
As parents, carers, educators and friends, we can often feel lost about what to do when our young people are struggling. It is important to note that loneliness is not a personal failing, it is a societal issue which can be transformed through connection, community and meaningful engagement with others.
Mentees have told us communities and adults outside of their busy families can simply talk to them and help them feel safe in their environment. They suggested activities where young people can interact with people they don’t know.
The key to beating loneliness is social resilience – in built structures which foster social wellbeing. All best practice interventions involve ways to connect. Enter mentoring!
Connection is the solution!
Mentees told us they want adults to know that loneliness doesn’t get solved in a week or two, it takes time and the right people. We are proud that our expertly trained mentors are often that ‘right person’ for young people. Being a long-term program, we can build trust and connection over time, and our data shows our mentees have a stronger connection to schools at the end of the program.
It is heartwarming when we witness firsthand how meaningful connection to a mentor can make a positive shift in our mentees' lives. In our programs, we witness quiet and withdrawn mentees gain confidence and mentees forming new friendships within their school peer groups.
They also tell us, in their own words, about feeling more connected and less alone because of their mentor.
“My mentor showed me that I'm not alone”
“I feel less lonely”
“I feel less alone and I have someone to talk to”
“I've felt free after joining this mentoring program after feeling lonely”.
They also build trust.
“The best thing about the program is coming every week and having a good time with my mentor. I always look forward to coming because it's a safe place.”.
Our evaluation data shows the improvement young people have in asking for the help they need to connect. They feel more comfortable talking to adults and peers after completing the program. When young people feel connected to their peers, mentors, and community, and are confident in asking for help, the sense of isolation begins to diminish.
Another beautiful benefit of our program is the connection to community for our wonderful volunteer mentors. Our in-school programs meet face to face and in a larger group, where young people interact with other mentees and mentors and often share a morning or afternoon tea after their sessions.
“I absolutely love the connections that I build with both the mentees and mentors”
- Raise Mentor
Even in our online programs, the large group of mentors and mentees can interact with new people. Last year 90% of mentors reported that they felt more connected to their community after participating in Raise.
“I could build a connection with a young person and {know] that I did have something valuable to offer. I learned a lot about techniques to support my mentee and also had a great connection with our program counsellor and other mentors which was unexpected and wonderful”
- Raise Mentor
There are several meaningful ways Raise programs create connection and provide an antidote to loneliness.
Raise Mentoring is an early intervention strategy - providing support in the critical, early adolescent years. Raise Youth Mentoring is part of the solution to the loneliness epidemic, creating safe and inclusive programs for connection, empowering individuals and communities to thrive.
