As many as 45% of the population is afraid that children and young people have become more lonely in the last six months, a new Red Cross survey shows.
Norwegians’ everyday lives have changed dramatically since the corona pandemic broke out.
The shutdown of society has led to many young people losing places to meet safely, Pernille Lemming, head of the Red Cross Care Council, noted.
“Permanent social meeting places have been lost or changed, and you meet friends and family less often than before.
“More isolated lives can affect our mental health. Persistent unrest and uncertainty about the infection situation can also affect mental health,” she said in a press release.
The young also worry
The proportion of those who worry about lonely children and young people is highest in Eastern Norway and Oslo.
It is also the youngest who are most worried about loneliness – as many as 66% of those surveyed between the ages of 16 and 25 are worried.
A total of 2,693 people responded to the nationwide survey conducted by Opinion on behalf of the Red Cross.
Saturday, October 10, is World Mental Health Day, and this year’s theme is “Ask more.”
“Asking more contributes to more openness and understanding… Both old and young must dare to ask: How are you? Are you lonely? Shall we go for a walk?” Lemming said.
In several places in the country, the Red Cross has now restarted children and young people’s activities.
© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today
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