'Eat, sleep, game': Hikikomori youths in Singapore need help to escape endless cycle of seclusion but solutions should tackle root causes
SINGAPORE — Aden was fifteen when he started isolating himself in July 2020, choosing to spend all his time at home playing games, eating and sleeping, or sitting along the corridor outside his family home.
- Hikikomori are individuals who have chosen to withdraw themselves from society
- Earlier in April, the South Korea government announced that it would offer a monthly allowance to its reclusive youths to encourage them to leave their homes
- Experts said such a move may offer relief to the youth, but will not tackle the root causes that led to their seclusion
- They pointed to the need for greater awareness of hikikomori to help families and the community better understand and support the individuals
- Building strong social relationships and community support are also key, they added
26 Apr 2023 11:06AM
(Updated: 17 May 2023 01:05AM)
Source: TODAY
