Star comment: We can all make time for contact
It is extremely sad to hear that so many youngsters have been counselled for loneliness over the last year.
In the UK more than 4,000 children - some as young as six - have taken part in counselling sessions over the issue, according to the NSPCC.
Staff at Childline say they regularly hear from children who say they feel invisible or misunderstood.
Many youngsters talk of experiencing isolation and of not knowing who to turn to for support.
Tellingly, the very modern response to loneliness is often to spend more time alone online, which usually results in the issue getting worse.
We live in a time where social media dominates so much of our lives.
Many people, young and old, while away the hours online. This only serves to exacerbate feelings of loneliness.
There is no substitute for having personal contact.
Human interaction is crucial for a person's wellbeing, no matter what their age.
We understand there is no simple fix-all solution for the problem of loneliness.
The pressures on young people in today's society are greater than they have ever been.
But we can all do our bit to help address the issue by making time for personal contact.
