Dad, why are kids so lonely today?

Jun 19

We live in an epidemic of loneliness, but the gospel offers the hope of enjoying the relationships with God and others we were created to enjoy.

Loneliness threatens to submerge our kids in anxiety, depression, and despair. What’s fueling this loneliness, and how can we not only protect our kids from it, but instead build in them a deep sense of belonging in relationship with both their earthly friends and their heavenly Father?

Kids' Questions

Talking Points: Dad, why are kids so lonely today?

Loneliness is tearing us and our kids apart psychologically, physically, and culturally. Though social media and screen time magnify its detrimental effects, loneliness is a theological problem that goes back to the garden. But its solution goes back even further, to a God who loves us and made us for relationships with him and each other.

Key Questions: Dad, why are kids so lonely today?

Answers to the questions: How do I know if my kid is lonely? How can I help my kid cope with loneliness? What if my kid is lonely because of their faith? How do screens and social media contribute to kids’ loneliness?

Sample Discussion: Dad, why are kids so lonely today?

A sample of how to talk to our kids about loneliness. We are created for relationships as image-bearers of a relational God. But, because of sin, we hide from others and God. However, Jesus has defeated sin on the cross and offers us relationship with God and others in his new community of forgiven people—the church.

Recommended Resources: Dad, why are kids so lonely today?

A curated list of some helpful articles, podcasts, and books on this topic for those who want to explore it further.

Graham Thompson

Dad, why are kids so lonely today?

We live in an epidemic of loneliness, but the gospel offers the hope of enjoying the relationships with God and others we were created to enjoy.

Recommended Resources: How should we shape our kids' identities?

Talking Points: Dad, why are kids so lonely today?