Michelle Lim: The Lonely Generation

Michelle Lim in conversation with Heath Ducker Essential reading for all parents, The Lonely Generation sounds the alarm on a looming public health crisis within younger people – and provides empowering, practical steps to build a healthier, more connected world for our children. Younger generations are bearing the brunt of social media, big tech and rising costs. Their mental health has gone into freefall with higher rates of anxiety, depression and self-harm. How do we untangle the knots that keep them trapped in feelings of loneliness? Associate Professor Michelle Lim is Australia’s leading expert on loneliness. She shows us how we got here and what can be done about this public health emergency. Drawing on the latest research in psychology, sociology and neuroscience, The Lonely Generation is an agenda- setting investigation into the profound impacts of loneliness on young people, and how parents and educators can work to form networks and cultures that foster deep, meaningful social connection. It’s not too late to turn back the clock and give our kids the safe, healthy, free childhoods they deserve. Michelle Lim is the CEO and Scientific Chair of Ending Loneliness Together, a national peak body addressing persistent loneliness and social isolation in Australia. She is also an associate professor at the Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health at the University of Sydney. Michelle is considered the leading Australian scientific expert in loneliness, and her work informs governments and the not-for- profit and corporate sectors across the world. In 2024, she was appointed as one of 20 global experts on the Technical Advisory Group to the World Health Organization Commission to Social Connection. She is a practising clinical psychologist with over 22 years’ experience. Heath Ducker has served as a lawyer at a leading law firm, an advisor to the NSW Attorney General, led the very youth charity that changed his own life as CEO, and is now an Executive at Teach For Australia, combating educational inequity. Heath is the recipient of the Davos' Australia Leadership Award. He was listed as one of Australia’s Top 50 Emerging Leaders by Start-Up Daily and was a finalist in the BOSS Magazine/Sydney University, Emerging Leaders Award. He is the author of A Room at The Top.