Social connection is essential for health; supporting adolescent health and wellbeing

In this specially curated three-part podcast series from The BMJ, we explore the importance of community and connection to foster adolescent wellbeing.

The discussion covers athe  wide array of issues young people face, with a particular focus on the unique challenges of adolescence from a social perspective. The episode unpacks the significance of having supportive relationships within families, schools, and communities and the influence of these relationships on the mental and behavioural health outcomes of adolescents. 

It also explores the impact of digitalization on adolescent connection, with discussions on how to balance online interactions with offline engagements. Importantly, it highlights the need for further research into understanding digital and social media interactions and their influence on the health and wellbeing of adolescents in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Our guests:

Ulises Ariel Vélez Gauna, Transmitiendo Diversidad

Flavia Bustreo, Fondation Botnar 

Richard Dzikunu, YIELD Hub

Shelani Palihawadana, Young Experts Tech for Health.

Joanna Lai, United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEFUnicef)

Hosted by Adam Levy

Supported by the Fondation Botnar and PMNCH, the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health. Read the full cCollection of articles showing the importance of investing in adolescent wellbeing.

00:04 Introduction to the podcast series

00:36 Understanding adolescence from a social perspective

01:00 The impact of community and connection on adolescents

01:07 Personal experiences: growing up as an LGBT+ teenager

01:38 The role of supportive relationships in adolescents' lives

02:05 The importance of connectedness in adolescence and beyond

03:27 Treating safe spaces for LGBT+ adolescents

05:23 The unique role of community during adolescence

07:02 The impact of political landscape on LGBT+ community

07:54 The importance of community and connectedness: expert opinions

08:56 The interconnection of social, health, and educational well-being

12:14 The role of digital technology in adolescents' lives

16:56 The importance of investing in adolescents' well-being

43:18 The role of schools in fostering connectedness

45:41 Conclusion: personal reflections on connectedness