Addressing loneliness in children and youth: lessons learnt from the activities of amateur artistic movements

Contemporary youth are increasingly experiencing loneliness as a consequence of socio-cultural transformations, the loosening of familial bonds, the digitalisation of everyday life, and a decline in meaningful interpersonal relationships. This phenomenon carries significant psychological and social implications, affecting the emotional and identity development of young people. The aim of the presented study was to explore the role played by amateur artistic groups in counteracting the loneliness of children and adolescents, and in fostering social connections. Based on the analysis of statements from instructors conducting artistic activities in cultural institutions and schools, the study identified symptoms of loneliness, compensatory mechanisms employed by young participants, and strategies for building community and relationships within creative collectives. The findings indicate that such groups serve not only an educational function but also a quasi-therapeutic one, acting as spaces for managing social relationships. The presence of an engaged adult – an instructor who consciously cultivates an environment grounded in trust, cooperation, and acceptance – plays a pivotal role. On the one hand, this approach contributes to the creation of inclusive and safe spaces where young individuals can express emotions, build identity, and form social bonds; on the other, it facilitates personal transformation among participants. The conclusions suggest that amateur artistic groups represent a vital tool for managing the emotional social capital of young people, mitigating exclusion and supporting processes of social integration. The authors advocate for the recognition of these groups not merely as leisure activities, but as essential components of the mental health support system for children and adolescents. Furthermore, they call for critical reflection on funding models, training pathways, and cross-sectoral cooperation to enhance the effectiveness and accessibility of such initiatives.