Hello everyone.

A theme has surfaced recently through a few TikTok reels where home-educated teens share feelings of loneliness. While this is not the experience for every teen—and we all know social media captures only a fragment—it does highlight something worth paying attention to.

For those outside the home education community—including local authority teams—videos like these can paint an incomplete picture. It may suggest that home-educated young people are isolated or missing out on friendship. Within the community, many of us know just how much thought and energy already go into creating opportunities for connection—but perceptions can quickly take on a life of their own.

In reality, many families are actively supporting their teens through co-ops, sports, volunteering, creative work, community groups, and informal meet-ups. These experiences are valuable and often rich with friendship and personal growth.

Even so, it can be helpful to pause and ask a few honest questions:

– Are our teens feeling genuinely connected, not just occupied?

– Do they have enough unstructured time with peers to simply be together?

– Is there space for them to say when they are feeling lonely or out of step?

Continuing to build spaces where young people feel seen, supported, and part of something meaningful makes a real difference.

Is it really just about lessons? Or are we trying to give our teens something more—a life that feels connected, balanced, and true to who they are? We are part of a strong and thoughtful community, where sharing ideas, supporting one another, and staying mindful of our teens’ emotional needs can make a real difference in helping them thrive.

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