Living through a pandemic is reshaping our kids' friendships in unprecedented ways. Kids are being forced to stay apart from the peers because of social distancing requirements, which is causing them to feel alone, isolated, and bored. In fact, life in lockdown has been extremely challenging for kids especially because their lives have been completely disrupted.

When it comes to being separated from friend groups, some kids are more at risk than others. For instance, kids who are only children are in some ways more vulnerable to the isolation and stress that is caused by the pandemic. Likewise, kids with pre-existing anxiety or depression as well as kids with developmental and learning disabilities also have unique challenges with forced to social distance as well.

For some, technology has helped bridge the gap. But for those in the digital divide without access to smartphones, tablets, laptops, or even computers at local libraries, the isolation has an even greater impact. They are virtually cut off from their peers with no way of contacting them. Likewise, there is only so much that technology can do to help children maintain connections. Interacting with friends through a screen is the not the same thing as being in person.

At first glance, you may wonder what's the big deal. After all, it hasn't been that long that the country has been social distancing. But social interaction with others is the primary way kids learn. In fact, some would say it is an essential component not only for relationship building, but also for learning skills like collaboration, problem-solving, and communication.