Psychology explains that silence often means self-defense, not agreement, due to the "Spiral of Silence." Fear of social isolation leads confident individuals to withhold dissenting opinions, especially amplified by social media, impacting workplaces, classrooms, and friendships.
Disability activists and charities warn that a proposed ban on social media for under-16s could isolate disabled children, cutting off vital lifelines for friendship and support. They argue the ban disproportionately affects those who struggle to connect offline and prevents them from finding role models and communities.
Geochang County in South Korea is launching a project to prevent deaths from loneliness and social isolation. The initiative includes regular check-ins, meal deliveries, home support, and social programs to connect at-risk individuals with the community.
A Filipino mother reveals her teenage son endured six months of bullying after standing up for a classmate, including name-calling, social isolation, and suicidal thoughts. The school's only response was a discipline committee talking-to with no meaningful consequences. The case emerges amid new government measures following two high-profile school bullying incidents, introducing a clearer punishment framework allowing suspensions of 5-14 days for repeat offenders.
