Adolescent loneliness in the COVID-19 era. The perspective of health behavior in a study on school-aged children in Poland

Background
This study examines the prevalence and underlying factors of loneliness among Polish adolescents in schools during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objectives
The aim of this study is to assess the frequency of loneliness experienced by Polish students depending on the perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on various aspects of life.

Material and methods
Utilizing data from a representative sample of over 6,200 students aged 11 to 17, as part of the global Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey for the 2021/2022 school year, the study investigates how the pandemic has affected the lives of young people, particularly in fostering feelings of loneliness.

Results
The findings indicate that almost one-third of Polish school students report feeling lonely “often” or “always”. Key factors contributing to this loneliness include gender, age, the level of support from family and peers, as well as the amount of time spent on social media. Notably, the study uncovers that girls are more likely to feel lonely – especially those in secondary school and living in larger cities. There is also a noticeable link between heavy social media usage and heightened loneliness.

Conclusions
The pandemic’s toll on mental health, family dynamics, and academic life has emerged as a significant concern. This paper underscores the urgent need for dedicated programs and support mechanisms to counteract the adverse effects of the pandemic on the mental health and overall well-being of young people.