By JC Montenegro, PhD

Loneliness among young people is a growing concern in today’s society, and it’s important to explore solutions on this issue. The Catholic League recently published an article about this topic, exploring the reasons behind this phenomenon and offering suggestions for how we can combat it.

One of the reasons for the increase in loneliness among young people is the rise of social media and the decrease in face-to-face interaction. Young people spend more time on their devices than ever before, leading to a sense of isolation and disconnection from others. Additionally, societal changes such as the breakdown of the family structure can leave young people feeling disconnected.

However, there are strategies that can help combat loneliness among young people. The Catholic League suggests that parents prioritize family time and create opportunities for shared activities, while schools should prioritize character development and fostering positive relationships among students. Community organizations and churches can also play an important role in providing a sense of belonging and purpose.

One organization that is doing just that is the Salesian Family Youth Center and St. Dominic Savio Church with their summer programs We are expecting to serve around 700 young people in our two locations. Camp Salesian and Camp Savio provide programs and activities for young people to work on their mental health and develop social and emotional skills. We offer a safe and welcoming environment for young people to connect with others and build positive relationships.

But these programs not only provide young people with opportunities to form meaningful friendships, explore their faith, and engage in activities that promote mental health and well-being. These activities are also designed to help young people develop important life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and communication.

In a world where loneliness among young people is all too common, organizations like the Salesians are more important than ever. By providing a safe and welcoming environment for young people to connect with others and develop important life skills, the Salesians are helping to combat the loneliness epidemic and create a brighter future for young people.