Rural youth feel connected to their townships but social isolation is still an issue

Youth in rural townships — including Wellesley, Wilmot, North Dumfries and Woolwich, Ont. — are reporting a greater sense of belonging and connection to the community than some of their urban counterparts.

And while living in a smaller, more tight-knit community helps promote some positive feelings, it may also increase a sense of social isolation, says a rural expert.  

That's according to a recent geographical data breakdown of the Children and Youth Planning Table's Youth Impact Survey 2021, which heard from more than 1,000 young people between nine and 18 years old across Waterloo region.

Of the 1,000 survey respondents, 11 per cent were from one of the four regional townships. A lack of connectivity in rural communities may have limited access to the digital survey, say organizers.

"There's not a lot of in and out flux [in townships], and that creates that kind of stability and belonging," said Rosslyn Bentley, executive director of the Woolwich Community Health Centre, which provides primary care and community services to about 10,000 people in surrounding rural communities.

Almost 74 per cent of those surveyed said they felt a strong sense of belonging to their community, compared to almost 55 per cent from Cambridge, 63 per cent from Kitchener and 66 per cent from Waterloo. 

When it came to mental health, 65 per cent of rural youth described having positive mental health, that's between seven to 14 per cent higher than urban peers.

However, she said while rural youth are doing better in some areas, they're suffering in others.

Bentley said, like a lot of people during the pandemic, many youth are experiencing an increased sense of social isolation — especially in rural communities.

"We know there are fewer social hubs and recreational activities. At least in urban areas, you've got a library, you've got a sports complex …You've got a lot of social activities that are not necessarily narrowly focused. And so there's usually more opportunities," she said, noting the Woolwich Community Health Centre has seen an additional 800 visits per year during the pandemic. 

Bentley said social isolation may be even harder for youth who are also part of marginalized groups who may face racism or homophobia.

She said rural youth may also have greater concerns with regards to career planning, as there may be limited options in their communities.

"The cost of housing in this community means that many young people cannot possibly imagine working and living in these communities. There's so little employment opportunity … they almost inevitably have to move away [and] that creates a lot of family strain for many people," she said. 

Bentley added these youth may have to rely on parents or adults for transportation because public transit is so limited. "You don't have as much independence in that respect," she said.