Fifteen percent of young people feel excluded at school in Iceland

Fifteen percent of young people feel excluded at school, according to recent findings from the Icelandic Directorate of Health, which has been measuring loneliness since 2016. The new public health indicators reveal a growing number of adolescents experiencing social isolation.

Dóra Guðrún Guðmundsdóttir, head of the Directorate’s public health department, emphasized that social isolation can significantly affect both the physical and mental health of young people. She noted that children facing difficulties at home are less likely to form social connections elsewhere.

“We see from the data that teenagers struggle to receive care and warmth from their parents, which is a crucial factor contributing to their overall well-being,” Dóra said. The findings highlight the need to foster cooperation among youth, schools, and families to combat this growing issue.

The data indicates that the fifteen percent of young people feeling left out can lead to feelings of anxiety and defensiveness. Dóra suggests that the broader societal symptoms of fear and anxiety may stem from these issues that require addressing at their root.

She also stressed the importance of developing social connections from an early age as a vital part of children’s growth and development. Establishing these connections early is pivotal for fostering healthy relationships and emotional resilience in the future.