How to Help a Lonely Teenager

How to Help a Lonely Teenager

Hey parents, we all know many teenagers are lonely.

It's hard to during this time and one can feel trapped during the teenage years, but there are some things you can do to help your teenager who seems lonely.

If you know a teenager who seems lonely, there are some things you can do to help. 

Parenting Therapists in Colorado

Barbra Styles, LPC, LAC

Barbra Styles, LPC, LAC

Colorado Springs, Colorado
(719) 345-2424
Cheyenne Ainsworth, SWC

Cheyenne Ainsworth, SWC

Colorado Springs, Colorado
(719) 602-1342
Sarah Webster, SWC

Sarah Webster, SWC

Colorado
(719) 696-3439
Andrea Burgess, LCSW

Andrea Burgess, LCSW

Colorado
(719) 345-2424
Naomi Kettner, LPC, NCC

Naomi Kettner, LPC, NCC

Colorado Springs, Colorado
(719) 452-4374
Jessica Titone, LPCC

Jessica Titone, LPCC

Colorado
(720) 437-9089
Jennifer Luttman, LPC, ACS

Jennifer Luttman, LPC, ACS

Colorado
(719) 345-2424
Katherine (Kate) Taylor, MBA, MA, LPC

Katherine (Kate) Taylor, MBA, MA, LPC

Colorado
(719) 345-2424
Jenifer Seas, LCSW

Jenifer Seas, LCSW

Colorado Springs, Colorado
(719) 452-4374
Randal Thomas, SWC

Randal Thomas, SWC

Colorado Springs, Colorado
(719) 602-1342

Join a Club, Sports Team, or Other Activity That Your Teenager Enjoys 

This can help them meet other people who share their interests and give them a chance to socialize. 

Some clubs, teams, or activities they can try are:

  • Art club
  • Chess club
  • Drama club
  • Sports team
  • Youth group

Your local parks and rec department should have some options for this type of experience. 

You can also check out online communities that focus on interests your teenager enjoys.

Encourage Them to Make Friends With People Who Have Similar Interests and Hobbies as They Do

This can help them feel more comfortable and make it easier for them to find things to talk about. 

If your teenager is shy, you can suggest they start talking to people online who share their interests.

This can be a less intimidating way for them to socialize and make friends.

Some of the hobbies that they share can be:

  • Listening to music
  • Watching movies
  • Playing video games
  • Collecting items (e.g., stamps, coins)
  • Sports

You can find online communities for almost any hobby or interest imaginable. 

Try searching for "____ interest group" or "____ club" online.

Have Dinner With Your Teenager at Least Once a Week so You Can Get to Know Their Friends Better

If your teenager has friends over, take the opportunity to get to know them.

This can help you get a better sense of who they are and what kind of people they're hanging out with. 

You can also talk to your teenager about their friends, and get to know them that way.

Some good questions you can ask are:

  • How did you meet?
  • What do you like about them?
  • What kind of things do you do together?
  • What are their interests and hobbies?


Doing this can help you get a better sense of your teenager's social life, and give you some insight into their world.

Give Them Space if They Need It and Be There for Them When They Want to Talk

Sometimes, teenagers just need some time to themselves.

Respect their privacy and give them the space they need, but let them know that you're there for them if they need to talk.

If they do want to talk, really listen to what they have to say. 

Try to understand their perspective, even if you don't agree with it.

And if you're ever worried about your teenager, don't hesitate to reach out to a professional for help. 

This is an important step in learning how to help a lonely teenager.

Help Them Find a Part-Time Job or Volunteering Opportunity so They Can Feel More Connected to Their Community

This can help them feel like they're a part of something larger, and give them a chance to socialize with people outside of their school or friend group. 

It can also help them develop a sense of responsibility and accomplishment.

Some places your teenager can look for a part-time job or volunteering opportunity are:

  • Local businesses
  • Libraries
  • Hospitals
  • Animal shelters
  • Nursing homes

Look for something that would be a good fit for your teenager's interests, skills, and availability.

Other good places for a teenager to work a part-time job are:

  • Museums
  • Historical sites
  • Zoos
  • Recreational facilities


If you know a teenager who seems lonely, there are some things you can do to help. 

Join a club, sports team, or other activity that your teenager enjoys.

This can help them meet other people who share their interests and give them a chance to socialize.

You can also encourage them to make friends with people who have similar interests and hobbies as they do. 

And have dinner with your teenager at least once a week so you can get to know their friends better.

Finally, give them space if they need it and be there for them when they want to talk. 

Doing these things can help a lonely teenager. 

Most Importantly, Let Them Know That You Love and Support Them No Matter What

If you're ever worried about your teenager, don't hesitate to reach out to a professional for help.

Encourage them to make friends with people who have similar interests and hobbies as they do. 

This can help them feel more comfortable and make it easier for them to find things to talk about. 

If your teenager is introverted, this can be intimidating.

If your teenager is having trouble making friends, there are some things you can do to help. 

Try joining a club, sports team, or other activity that your teenager enjoys.

This can help them meet other people who share their interests and give them a chance to socialize. 

You can also encourage them to make

You can also encourage them to join a club or activity that they're interested in. 

This can help them meet other people who share their interests and give them a chance to socialize. 

FAQs

How can I help my teenager if they're feeling lonely?

Some things you can do to help a lonely teenager are: joining a club, sports team, or other activity that your teenager enjoys; encouraging them to make friends with people who have similar interests and hobbies as they do; giving them space if they need it and being there for them when they want to talk; and letting them know that you support them no matter what. If you're ever worried about your teenager, don't hesitate to reach out to a professional for help.

Why is my teenager feeling lonely?

There can be many reasons why your teenager is feeling lonely. Some teenagers feel like they don't fit in or are excluded from their peers. Others may be going through a tough time at home, such as parents getting divorced, or a family member becoming sick or dying. And some teenagers simply prefer to spend more time alone than others. If you're ever worried about your teenager, don't hesitate to reach out to a professional for help.

What are some warning signs that my teenager is feeling lonely?

Some warning signs that your teenager may be feeling lonely are: they're withdrawn or always seem sad, they're no longer interested in activities they used to enjoy, they're eating more or less than usual, they're sleeping more or less than usual, they're having trouble concentrating in school, or they're using drugs or alcohol. If you see any of these warning signs, it's important to consider reaching out to a professional for help. 

Seek Professional Help If Needed 

If you think professional help is needed, please reach out to a professional who can assist you. 

The content of this post is to be used for informational purposes only and should not be considered official medical advice. 

Please real out to a licensed professional if you need assistance.

Conclusion

If your teenager is feeling lonely, there are some things you can do to help. 

It's important to follow up with your teenager and pay attention to them.

By learning how to help your lonely teenager, you can help improve their lives and make things better for them. 

Resources 

https://parents.au.reachout.com/skills-to-build/connecting-and-communicating/things-to-try-supportive-parenting/how-to-help-your-teen-when-theyre-feeling-lonely-and-isolated

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December 4th, 2023

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