Dhaka, Oct. 7 -- Young people are finding it increasingly difficult to form meaningful connections as academic pressure, digital life and changing social habits create a "lonely generation", The Guardian reports.

A 2025 WHO report found that 17 to 21 percent of 13- to 29-year-olds experience loneliness, while a study across 38 countries revealed youth loneliness rose between 2002 and 2022.

The Guardian spoke to loneliness researcher Dr Michelle Lim, who says childhood has changed dramatically, with academic pressure, smaller families, fewer community spaces, rising costs and Covid reshaping how young people socialise.

Busy schedules filled with school, tutoring, exams and extracurricular activities are leaving less time for free play a...