Alarming new data reveals loneliness crisis facing young Australians

Sami Jenkins was sometimes so anxious she was scared to leave the house. She wants you to know about a “public health crisis” facing young Australians.

Sami Jenkins has dealt with social anxiety. Picture: David Crosling

Alarming new research has laid bare a “public health crisis” plaguing young Australians, revealing two in five people aged 15 to 25 report feeling lonely.

One in seven experienced persistent loneliness lasting at least two years.

The new report from Ending Loneliness Australia found young people with mental or physical health challenges, those who aren’t part of a sporting, hobby, or other community-based club, and those under financial strain were more likely to suffer chronic loneliness.

However inclusive community spaces, free or cheap connection opportunities, a mix of online and face-to-face interaction and support during life transitions were found to help young people feel connected.

Sami Jenkins, who has become a poster girl for introverts, balances her need for down time with ensuring she stays connected with loved ones.

The 27-year-old influencer makes TikToks of activities people can enjoy alone in Melbourne.

She started making the content a few years back while taking some time out from working due to her mental health.

With her friends busy with work on weekdays, she started documenting her solo outings.

“I’ve always enjoyed alone time,” she said.

It was how she would recharge and her “safe space”.

Sami Jenkins hosts meet-ups for introverts. Picture: David Crosling

But Ms Jenkins said it was important to also cultivate a support network of trusted loved ones to lean on.

She has struggled with social anxiety and mental ill-health, which she said were linked with loneliness.

Her social anxiety manifested as finding it difficult to talk to new people and sometimes being “really scared to leave the house”.

“But I’m at a place now where I feel a lot more comfortable,” she said.

Social media and working in marketing helped grow her confidence by forcing her to talk to people, as has hosting meet-ups for introverts.

“(The meet-ups are) meant to be a safe space for you to come as you are … you don’t need to be the life of the party to have fun and feel accepted,” she said.

“I try to make sure there’s a low-effort activity at the focus so that no one’s just idly standing on the side of the room not knowing what to do.”

Ms Jenkins encouraged young people experiencing loneliness to find connection through their hobbies, like book clubs for avid readers.

Ending Loneliness Together chief executive Michelle Lim said persistent loneliness was a serious problem but research showed young people who spent scheduled time with friends or family at least once a week were three times less likely to feel isolated.

Ending Loneliness Together’s Associate Professor Michelle Lim. Picture: Supplied

“Young people feel pressure to have a best friend, lifelong mate or big crew to feel less lonely – but it’s not the solution,” Associate Professor Lim said.

“Loneliness is not the same as being alone – you can be surrounded by people and still feel lonely.

“That’s because loneliness relates more to the quality of our relationships, rather than the quantity.

“Making friends or forming connections takes time and effort, but it often starts with a small moment.”

The report will be presented by Ending Loneliness Together on Thursday at Parliament House in Canberra.

Researchers and young Australians will call for a co-ordinated national response ahead of Loneliness Awareness Week, which starts on Monday.

The report was produced in partnership with the University of Sydney and Wallis Social.

Originally published as Alarming new data reveals loneliness crisis facing young Australians