'Social Thinning' Might Be Impacting Kids' Mental Health – And We Need To Talk About It

Our kids’ social worlds are getting smaller and smaller. At the same time, their mental health is getting worse. 

Between 2010 and 2023, more than 1,200 council run youth centres closed across England and Wales, and local authority spending on youth services in England plummeted by just over 70%. 

Meanwhile, between 2014 and 2024, the number of young people (aged 16-24) experiencing common mental health conditions rose from 19% to 26%. 

While there are many reasons why children might be struggling with poor mental health, experts are increasingly pointing to their shrinking social worlds as a possible driver.

Research suggests that today’s children have significantly less freedom to roam, play outdoors, or gather with friends than previous generations.

Teamed with a lack of investment in community spaces and increasing academic pressures within the school curriculum, it is all contributing to what Professor Eamon McCrory, CEO of mental health charity Anna Freud, calls ‘social thinning’.

He told HuffPost UK: “In recent years, there have been dramatic changes to children and young people’s social worlds. Many have less opportunities for play, to form relationships and take risks.”

It’s not just Prof McCrory who has noticed this shift. A report by the Youth Futures Foundation, penned by a team of mental health experts, came up with key theories as to what could be driving recent trends in young people’s mental health. 

One of the key theories included loss of services for children and young people following periods of austerity, which “may have led to the loss of protective and resilience factors for young people”.

The report’s authors suggested “worsening sleep quality, economic instability (particularly housing and insecure employment), reduced services for children and young people, and rising social media and smartphone use” as contributing factors to the increase in rates of mental distress and anxiety and low mood.

The impact of social thinning

One in three young people say they do not feel part of their local community, and young people in Britain are more likely to report feelings of loneliness than any other age group, with 70% of 18- to 24-year-olds reporting they feel lonely at least some of the time.

Prof McCrory said: “We believe social thinning is a key factor behind increasing numbers of children and young people experiencing mental health problems. 

“Research indicates that deprivation of social connection can having developmental consequences, and over time, an increased risk of mental health difficulties.”

Not only have the environments where young people can explore, fail safely and develop social mastery been narrowed, but the online world has simultaneously “rushed in to fill the gaps” – not always with a positive impact on wellbeing.

To tackle social thinning, Prof McCrory wants to see serious investment in youth services and community infrastructure; support for families to create shared, real-life experiences; and schools given the capacity for more time for play and creativity. 

But while society plays catch up, Nana Owusu, head of clinical services at Anna Freud, shared some ways parents can start helping kids build a sense of belonging at home and in their community.

1. Model community-minded behaviour

“Children will watch how you engage with your community and use it as a template for their own behaviour,” said Owusu, who has over 20 years of experience as a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) clinical nurse specialist and therapist.

Her advice is simple: show them how you build connections and community: from greeting neighbours and offering help, to maintaining relationships and taking part in local events.

Not only this, but explain to them why it’s important to you. 

2. Build a strong foundation at home

“Feeling a deep sense of belonging at home is vital for a child’s wellbeing,” said the expert. “Having a secure foundation will make it easier for them to engage in their wider community too.”

Owusu said this foundation can be built by: regularly spending time together as a family and experiencing shared rituals (whether through meals, games or traditions), as well as through open, kind communication.

″‘Home’ can also include foster care, children’s homes, or community and support settings for young people experiencing homelessness, where adults help create belonging through everyday routines and connection,” she added.

Research has shown young people with strong relationships show significantly higher levels of resilience, confidence, and belonging.

3. Look beyond community centres

When thinking about community spaces, you probably picture community centres. However there are a few more spaces available where you can find a sense of belonging, if you know where to look. 

“Churches and other faith-based organisations like temples and mosques, along with after school clubs, volunteering opportunities (for example, at food banks and other local charities) or support groups for children with specific challenges can all help foster belonging,” said Owusu. 

She added these types of experiences can also sometimes be created in safe spaces online. “Whatever your child is interested in – whether it’s crafting, cooking, languages or gaming – there will be opportunities to build community online, if not in-person,” she said. 

4. Agree safe boundaries

While the online world can help foster connection among young people, Owusu noted it can also be “harmful” – especially when children are given unrestricted, unmonitored access.

“Agreeing boundaries with your child, for both their physical and digital worlds, will help ensure belonging doesn’t come at the expense of safety, while giving them agency,” said the mental health pro. 

“In the real world, this includes making sure they know what areas are off-limits and why, along with how to say ‘no’ and leave situations they don’t feel comfortable in.”

While it might be tempting to focus on restriction, Owusu suggested that to increase the chances of your child approaching you with problems, building psychological safety is key.  

“Keep conversations open and curious (for example, ask about new apps your child has found recently), and thank them for telling you if something worrying happens,” she advised.

“Also, teach them how to belong in online spaces without oversharing. For example, be kind and respectful, share interests not private information, and leave spaces that feel unsafe.”

Help and support:

• Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393.
• Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).
• CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer a helpline open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year, on 0800 58 58 58, and a webchat service.
• The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email help@themix.org.uk
• Rethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0808 801 0525 (Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on rethink.org.