To evaluate the impact of our Friendsgiving social and our campaign so we can better understand teen isolation, we conducted a short anonymous survey with participants during the event. The survey focused on students’ experiences with loneliness, stress, emotional expression, and coping behaviors in order to assess how social connection events can support teen mental health. A survey was crucial to truly understanding our peers and their experiences so we could help them effectively.
Survey results showed that many students experience loneliness at moderate to high levels, even when surrounded by peers. This demonstrated that loneliness is a common experience among teens and is not always visible from the outside.
Many respondents indicated that when they feel overwhelmed or stressed, they tend to withdraw socially rather than reach out for support. This highlights how academic and emotional stress can contribute directly to isolation.
More then half the students shared that they choose not to express their emotions because they do not want to burden others or be perceived as dramatic. This pattern of emotional suppression can intensify feelings of loneliness and prevent students from seeking support.
Open-ended responses revealed that many students cope with loneliness by engaging in solitary or calming activities such as baking, listening to music, creating art, or spending time alone. These coping strategies emphasize the importance of creative and comforting outlets for emotional regulation.
These findings reinforced the importance of hosting low-pressure, welcoming social events like our Friendsgiving gathering. By creating a space centered on food, conversation, and comfort, we aimed to reduce isolation and encourage peer connection in a way that felt safe and inclusive for students.
Overall, survey results demonstrated that teen loneliness and emotional withdrawal are common experiences, reinforcing the need for connection-based interventions such as our Friendsgiving social and the mission of Bakers for Better.