What Can Parents and Caregivers Do? Takeaways from the Surgeon General’s Loneliness Report
Looking around — at a drop in time spent with friends and rise in screen time — it’s hard to not notice the marked increase in social isolation and, in turn, loneliness across America.
That’s why, although it signaled a new level of recognition of this public health crisis, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy’s recent advisory, Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation, was not necessarily a surprise.
We’re all aware of the problem. But, what are we to do about it, especially as parents or caregivers who have a critical impact on those most impacted — American children, teens and young adults?
Dr. Meagen Rosenthal, interim executive director of The Mayo Lab, says she would point those curious to page 65 of the lengthy document, which helpfully summarizes “What Parents and Caregivers Can Do.”
“We have inappropriately assumed that people—parents and students alike—have the skills needed to make connections, friends and strong social bonds with the people around them,” she said. “These suggestions seem simple, but they’re vital to sparking conversation and change. They can go a long way.”
The tips outlined in the advisory include:
“Invest in your relationship with your child or loved one,” creating a strong, protective foundation for other relationships.
“Model healthy social connection,” such as taking time away from digital media, going to community events and spending time with friends and neighbors.
“Help children and adolescents develop strong, safe, and stable relationships with supportive adults like grandparents, teachers, coaches, counselors, and mentors.”
“Encourage healthy social connection with peers” by supporting children’s friendships and participation on teams, volunteer projects and community activities.
“Be attentive to how young people spend their time online,” taking care to decrease screen time and delay the age of social media use.
“Reduce behaviors and experiences that may increase the risk for social disconnection, including bullying and excessive or harmful social media use.”
“Talk to your children about social connection regularly,” making sure to look for warning signs of loneliness or isolation and reaching out to professional help if you’re worried.
These tips aren’t always easy to implement, but laying them out and sharing them widely are helpful first steps, Dr. Rosenthal said. Figuring out how to share them in ways that stick are shared goals of the Surgeon General’s team and the various groups his advisory calls to action: researchers, educators and families.
“We don’t always know how to teach people these skills in usable and applicable ways,” she said. “Trying to do that — and investigating how we do it better — are key parts of the work of The Mayo Lab.”
