A leading child and adolescent psychoanalyst has warned that many children and young people are struggling with loneliness and a lack of meaningful social connection, as traditional community ties continue to weaken.
Speaking at the launch of a campaign marking 20 years of the Growing Up in Ireland study, Colman Noctor said the research consistently shows that children thrive when they have strong relationships, a sense of belonging and supportive communities around them.
However, he says modern life is becoming increasingly individualised, with community structures not as strong as they once were and quality time together often being replaced by more isolated forms of interaction.
The findings raise important questions about the challenges facing young people today and what can be done to help them build and maintain meaningful connections.
Colman Noctor joined us on The Agenda to discuss the issue in more detail.