Young people are the loneliest group in Scotland, according to new research by a Christian think tank.

Logos Scotland is warning of a “crisis of recognition”, where individuals feel unseen, unknown and disconnected from meaningful social bonds. 

Shona Haslam, thinktank chief executive, told Premier Christian News that investment has been focused on the older population and overlooked the needs of young people. 

She said that young people online “can talk to a lot of people at a very superficial level, but actually having those deep and meaningful connections with people is something that they're missing out on,” especially after the covid pandemic. 

The report, Seen and Known, sets out a theological and political analysis of the factors which have disconnected people from society. These include the weakening of social institutions like libraries; pressures on family stability and marriage in “fostering belonging”; the decline of “institutions of charity” like churches and civic spaces; and fewer opportunities for intergenerational connection.

Haslam believes politicians need to treat youth loneliness as a national priority, with investment for local communities to understand and combat isolation. Other recommendations include reviewing how tax and welfare interacts with family stability, and protecting community spaces.

Logos believes the role of churches has often been overlooked in these discussions, despite traditionally being a centre of community and belonging. 

The think tank’s polling has found only 5.5% of believers think the Scottish Government has been supportive of Chrisitan principles, with 81% concerned about the level of negative reaction Christians receive in Politics.