Our youth are connected to each other via social media, and those relationships are meaningful and important. However, youth spending time with peers, in person, is essential to their healthy development. Recently published research indicates youth are experiencing loneliness at higher levels now, especially with the impact of COVID. Surveys conducted in 2020 found teenagers and young adults are lonelier than any other age group, and a national survey found 4 out of 10 young people described themselves as feeling sad, misunderstood suffering from FOMO and without anyone to talk to. Youth who are lonely may be as much as three times more likely to develop depression in the future, and the impact of loneliness on mental health can last for years. Recently published research found a significant predictor of satisfying romantic relationships, adult work competence and quality of life in adulthood was positive peer relationships in middle and high school. This workshop will review strategies and resources in the social-emotional development and healthy peer relationships among youth. 

If you wish to register for a webinar, please contact Amy Nace at alnace@pmyf.org or call 717-367-1536, ext. 2.