The Hidden Social Skills Crisis: How COVID Lockdowns Continue to Impact Australian Youth Mental Health
The lasting effects of COVID-19 lockdowns on Australian youth's social development have emerged as a critical concern in 2025, with neurodivergent young people facing unique challenges in rebuilding their social connections. Recent studies and reports paint a concerning picture of this ongoing impact, but also point to effective solutions.
A Dramatic Rise in Mental Health Challenges
According to the University of Sydney's "New Models of Care" report (February 2025), there has been a dramatic increase in young people accessing mental health services, highlighting an urgent need for new models of care. Professor Ian Hickie, Co-Director of the Brain and Mind Centre at the University of Sydney, emphasizes the severity of the situation:
"The pandemic has fundamentally disrupted young people's experiences of safety, belonging, and social and emotional connection with others. What we're seeing now is not just a temporary setback, but a fundamental shift in how young people develop and maintain social relationships. This is particularly concerning for neurodivergent youth, who may already face additional challenges in social skill development."
The Neurodivergent Experience
For neurodivergent youth, particularly those with autism and ADHD, the impact has been even more pronounced. Research published in early 2025 shows that autistic adolescents experienced heightened levels of anxiety and isolation during lockdowns, with many struggling to rebuild their social networks even years after restrictions lifted.
Recent studies have identified a significant gap in crucial social skills development, particularly among younger Australians. This gap is especially concerning for neurodivergent youth, who may already face challenges in social communication and relationship building.
Social skills are not just about making friends – they're fundamental to:
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Academic success
Future employment prospects
Building lasting relationships
Developing resilience
The Path Forward
Evidence-based social skills programs, such as PEERS®, have shown remarkable success in helping young people rebuild their social confidence and capabilities. These structured interventions provide:
Practical strategies for building and maintaining friendships
Tools for managing social anxiety
Skills for effective communication
Support for both youth and their families
As we continue to understand the long-term effects of the pandemic, professional support has never been more crucial. Structured social skills programs, particularly those delivered by certified professionals, offer evidence-based approaches to helping young people rebuild their social confidence and capabilities.
Taking Action
For parents and carers concerned about their young person's social development, early intervention is key. Look for programs that:
Offer evidence-based approaches
Provide structured learning environments
Include family involvement
Address both immediate and long-term social skills development
Cater to individual needs, particularly for neurodivergent youth
At Strivesocial, we understand these challenges and offer specialised support through our PEERS® certified program, helping young people develop the social skills they need to thrive in today's world.
Would you like to learn more about how structured social skills programs can support your young person's development? Contact us for a consultation to discuss your specific needs and concerns.
