'Loneliness is a widespread public health concern, contributing to mental and physical health risks, and current approaches focused solely on clinical solutions are insufficient.', 'Social prescribing, a framework gaining international traction, addresses health by connecting individuals to community-based services that tackle social determinants like isolation and stress, offering non-medical, holistic support.', 'Educational institutions should integrate mandatory creative and physical activities like arts, music, dance, drama, and sports into curricula to promote student well-being, reduce stress, and foster essential social skills, rather than treating them as extracurricular "extras".'.
Social prescribing is a holistic healthcare framework that addresses the global mental health crisis by connecting individuals with non-medical, community-based support It is time to make art, music, dance, drama and sport mandatory for every student.
Updated - July 04, 2026 05:01 PM IST Issue Date - July 12, 2026 04:56 PM IST.
WALK INTO ANY high school, college campus or corporate office bay today and you can feel the stress in the air.
Sunk into their phones, children and young adults are deeply engaged in social media where they have hundreds of friends and followers.
Yet globally, one in six people report loneliness; in urban India, 43 to 61 per cent of adults indicate loneliness.
The WHO has classified it as an urgent public health concern, given the increased risk of premature death, stroke and cardiovascular disease.
