What happens to kids who are isolated?

Many children of fundamental parents suffer isolation. They are often home-schooled, and have few, if any, children out side their family or religious organization with whom to play. Even those in public school often feel isolated because their belief system is radically different from what they experience at school, for e

xample creationism. During science class they are taught about evolution and the age of the earth, but that conflicts with the information they receive at home or in church. For a young child to feel safe at home, it's important that they parrot their parent's belief system. Not doing so can often put the child in terrible danger.

Isolated children tend to be more anxious and stressed when in the company of others. They are also inclined to approach life and events with more apprehension. This isolation can contribute to panic attacks, depression.

n, and the development of other mental illnesses. Play is a child’s work. Playing with others is how children learn to navigate their world in a safe environment. Children do not learn healthy, interactive social skills without adequate play within their immediate family and the broader community. Severe isolation has even been shown to damage the brain's chemical structure.[1]

It is not surprising that individuals who suffer from isolation as children often do so as adults. This isolation can affect their social status, educational level, and economic success later in life.

[1] Pappas, Stephanie. (13 Sep. 2012) “Mystery of how social isolation messes with brain solved.” Live Science / Health. Retrieved from https://www.livescience.com/23169-social-isolation-changes-brain.html