'25 MSAA Summer Institute

Description:
According to the World Health Organization (2023), 5-15% of adolescents experience loneliness. As reported in Ed Week (2023), this is something that experts warn may be connected to an increased risk of mental health concerns, such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideations. What is more, once these adolescents become young adults, the loneliness rate jumps further. In fact, in 2024, Harvard's Making Caring Common reported that 24% of adults ages 18-29 reported serious feelings of loneliness. This number is staggering if we are to consider public schools as a community hub and as places vital to the strength, connectivity, and economic development of a location (Jacobson, 2016).

It is for these reasons that loneliness is a concept that should be at the forefront of school and district discussions, as addressing this concern can help improve academic, social, and community outcomes, all the while, helping students become more invested in their communities, connect