America is facing a loneliness epidemic, particularly among our youth. That may not be news to many of us – but it prompted the U.S. surgeon general to release an entire report on the subject.

While there is a role for public policy, as Sutherland Institute’s Krisana Finlay recently wrote, there are key things parents can do to help reduce loneliness for their own kids, especially in Utah, the youngest state in the nation.

First, parents of Gen Z (11 to 26 years old currently) should know that data shows Gen Z is the loneliest generation.  

“Perhaps even more concerning is that Generation Z is becoming more comfortable being alone,” writes Krisana Finlay in her Insights article on the topic of loneliness. They are “internalizing loneliness as a way of life.” 

Every family has unique challenges, but in reference to Gen Z, “the epidemic of loneliness and isolation is widespread and has profound consequences for our individual and collective health and well-being,” according to U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. But “there is a medicine hiding in plain sight: social connection.” 

Parents should make every effort to establish community for their children. As the Social Capital Project noted in “What We Do Together,” its joint research with Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT), loneliness in our youth is increasing as several key factors see a significant shift. The report highlights that church attendance is down 13% and time spent with neighbors in one’s community is down 14% since 1970. 

Where is that time being spent otherwise? On screens.  “We need to reform our digital environments, such as social media,” Finlay said in an interview, since loneliness and lack of direct social connection play a role in more than just mental well-being. 

The toll that loneliness takes on physical health is “comparable to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day,” Finlay noted in her article. Further, it increases the likelihood of heart disease, dementia and stroke. 

Parents can help foster a healthy lifestyle for their kids by helping them disconnect from a false sense of community on digital platforms and instead foster a real community. This can be done through developing close relationships in their neighborhood,  getting involved at their local church, or joining local interest groups. Deep relationships, not superficial digital ones, are the key to happiness and belonging. 

For a more in-depth perspective on this article, read our Insights piece here.