Child Mind Institute Study Finds Strong Link Between Teen Belonging and Mental Health

National survey of teens finds that meaningful relationships can serve as a powerful protective factor against anxiety and depression

New York, NY – A new study from the Child Mind Institute found that nearly half the teens surveyed reported experiencing moderate to severe loneliness, despite being the most digitally connected generation. The study was funded by the Morgan Stanley Alliance for Children’s Mental Health.

Released in recognition of World Mental Health Day on October 10, Building Bridges: Teen Loneliness and Connection asked 1,000 U.S. teens aged 14-17 what connection means to them, where they feel most connected, and who they turn to when they need support. The survey examined connectedness across five domains — family, peers, school, self, and digital environments. The results underscore the importance of feeling a sense of connection during adolescence, finding that teens who experience a stronger sense of belonging report better mental health outcomes.

• Loneliness is widespread: 47% of teens reported moderate to severe loneliness, while 23% screened positive for anxiety and 21% for depression.
• Connection matters: 80% of teens reported connectedness as highly important to their lives, with a sense of belonging or community (24%), emotional closeness (21%), and mutual understanding (14%) as the core components.
• Relationship systems are essential: 88% of teens said in-person time is essential for feeling connected, citing home and family, friendships, and school as primary sources. · Connection may offer protection: Teens reporting higher overall connectedness experienced lower loneliness and fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression.
• AI companions warrant attention: 29% reported using AI as a source of connection; teens who reported using AI this way were more likely to screen positive for depression (44% vs. 25%).

“We’re currently experiencing a loneliness epidemic that has become an urgent concern, especially among young people,” said Angela Moyer, PsyD, a psychologist in School and Community Programs at the Child Mind Institute. “This study centers teens’ voices, helping us to move beyond identifying the problem and more toward understanding which forms of connection matter most and where families, schools, communities, and policymakers can invest to strengthen teen mental health.”

While past research has examined family, friendships, and school belonging in silos, Building Bridges: Teen Loneliness and Connection was designed to understand how these domains together affect teens’ mental health and pinpoint meaningful opportunities for impact. The findings offer important insights for parents, educators, and communities seeking to strengthen support for young people’s emotional well-being and how to foster in-person experiences.

To read the full Building Bridges: Teen Loneliness and Connection report, click here, and visit childmind.org to learn more.

About Child Mind Institute

The Child Mind Institute is the leading nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families experiencing mental health and learning disorders. Since its founding in 2009, the Child Mind Institute has become a global institution reaching millions of families each year through excellence in evidence-based clinical care, renowned educational resources and training, and science to advance the next generation of treatment. 

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