Nieman: When loneliness is a child's only friend

Children who are bullied and excluded by peers are at a higher risk of feeling lonely. Many struggle to find supportive friendships. Getty Images PHOTO BY BRIANAJACKSON /Getty Images/iStockphoto Article content At a recent infectious disease conference, an experienced colleague told me, “On many days, I don’t feel like a pediatrician anymore. I feel more like a social worker, psychologist or even a sociologist.” Article content The topic of lonely children illustrates why modern-day pediatricians may feel that way. Article content Article content The rise in loneliness among children is often …