Week Three of Prien's Activity Push Against Solitude Commences - Activities against loneliness continue in the third week, initiated by Prien
Minister Prien Initiates Third Anti-Loneliness Campaign, Highlighting Concerns Among Young People
Minister Karin Prien has announced plans to establish the "Alliance Against Loneliness," a collaborative effort involving federal and state governments, municipalities, associations, science, civil society, economy, and healthcare sector. The initiative aims to remove loneliness from the taboo zone, with a particular focus on young people as the issue increasingly affects this demographic.
According to a recent study by the Bertelsmann Foundation, loneliness threatens young people's trust in politics and democracy. Young people who feel lonely are more likely to perceive their interests and opinions being overlooked. Around ten percent of 16- to 30-year-olds in Germany report feeling very lonely. The mistrust of politics and democracy among this group is stronger than among their less lonely peers.
The SPD leader, Saskia Esken, highlighted the adverse consequences of loneliness, increasing the likelihood of political disenfranchisement and radicalization. She urged that it is vital to take young people's problems, such as loneliness, seriously to avoid losing significant portions of an entire generation.
Green faction deputy Misbah Khan called on Minister Prien to swiftly implement the "Alliance Against Loneliness" plan. Khan referred to the Bertelsmann Foundation study results and emphasized the importance of offering young people low-threshold opportunities for political and social participation.
The federal government's strategy against loneliness seeks to increase awareness of the issue and show "low-threshold offers locally." A survey for the Techniker Krankenkasse indicated that loneliness affects 58 percent of people across all age groups in Germany.
Overall, the widespread feeling of loneliness among young people could impact their engagement with democratic institutions. Policymakers may address loneliness and its consequences by, among other things, enhancing digital literacy, promoting community programs, and improving mental health support.
[1] Loneliness of Young People Compared Across Europe in 2024[2] Bertelsmann Foundation[3] Young People in France Report Higher Levels of Loneliness Compared to Germany[4] Increasing Loneliness Among Young People in Europe
- The Alliance Against Loneliness, pioneered by Minister Karin Prien, encourages community action to combat the rising xenophobia and disconnection within the youth, given their increased vulnerability to loneliness.
- Amidst the government's efforts to address the issue, the policy-and-legislation sector must prioritize mental-health issues, understanding that science plays a significant role in understanding and addressing the causes of loneliness.
- As the general-news landscape evolves, journalistic discourse should focus on health-and-wellness narratives surrounding young people, highlighting the connection between loneliness, politics, and the well-being of future generations.
