Reconnect-EU

How to Come Out of Prolonged Social Withdrawal or Hikikomori?

Recovery from prolonged isolation is a gradual process. It doesn't require dramatic changes, but rather an approach that prioritises emotional safety, small wins, and consistent support.

If you would like to know how to begin the journey out of hikikomori, read this interesting article “How to Come Out of Prolonged Social Withdrawal or Hikikomori”

Hikikomori Italia | DGASPC HR | Spectrum Research Centre | ENTER Network

📚 New research on hikikomori and family relationships

How can we better understand the role of families in situations of prolonged social withdrawal?

The article “Characteristics of families experiencing hikikomori: A narrative literature review to develop a better systemic relational approach” explores the importance of looking at hikikomori through a systemic perspective, considering relationships, communication and family dynamics.

🔎 Discover the article and join the reflection on how we can better support young people and their families!

Hikikomori Italia | DGASPC HR | Spectrum Research Centre | ENTER Network

Does the internet cause HIKIKOMORI?
🤔It's more complicated than you might think.

Many people believe that video games or social media are the main cause of hikikomori. However, researchers suggest that technology is not the root cause. Instead, it often becomes a way for socially withdrawn people to stay connected to the outside world. Family relationships, anxiety, school pressure, and other factors play important roles.

Would you like to find out more? Have a look at this article wrote by Associazione Hikikomori Italia: https://www.hikikomoriitalia.it/p/hikikomori-and-internet-addiction-let.html

Hikikomori Italia | DGASPC HR | Spectrum Research Centre | ENTER Network

📰 Newsletter #2: RECONNECT Project Update!

From the development of innovative training modules for teachers and peer adolescents to the LTTA in Milano, where experts from schools across Europe gathered to share insights and test the modules developed...

👉 Swipe through the Newsletter to learn more or check out the Newsletter in all partner languages on our website: https://www.reconnectproject.org/

🌐 Explore our RECONNECT Project Website!

Have you visited our RECONNECT Project Website yet? The KNOW section is full with valuable resources for stakeholders, educators and anyone interested in learning more about Hikikomori and social withdrawal.

📌 You will find:

✅ Training materials
✅ Scientific articles
✅ Insights from existing projects
✅ General articles
✅ Informative Videos

👥 Each Project Partner has gathered national resources in their local language to break down language barriers and make the collected content accessible to all.

We hope you enjoy learning more about Hikikomori and our Project!

https://www.reconnectproject.org/know/

Partners:
Co&So | Hikikomori Italia | DGASPC HR | Spectrum Research Centre | La Salle-Buen Consejo | ENTER Network

💚 Reconnection starts with understanding.

Supporting young people experiencing Hikikomori begins with understanding the challenges they face.

The "RECONNECT – Empowering Teachers and Students to Support Hikikomori Reintegration" project is equipping teachers and educators with knowledge, practical resources, and innovative learning tools to better recognise social withdrawal and support students on their journey back to education, confidence, and connection.

By working together across Europe, we are creating resources that promote inclusion, wellbeing, and stronger educational communities.

Every conversation, every insight, and every small step can help make a difference.

📌 RECONNECT: concluso il corso di formazione europeo

Dal 15 al 18 giugno si è svolto il corso di formazione europeo del progetto Reconnect-EU, finanziato dal Programma Erasmus+ della Commissione europea.

Insieme ai partner del progetto abbiamo approfondito strumenti e strategie per aiutare scuole, insegnanti e professionisti a riconoscere e prevenire il ritiro sociale tra gli adolescenti, sostenendo la reintegrazione scolastica e sociale di giovani hikikomori o a rischio isolamento.

Un momento particolarmente significativo è stato l’incontro con due genitori, che hanno condiviso la loro esperienza diretta con figli adolescenti che hanno vissuto periodi di isolamento sociale.

Il percorso continua con nuove attività formative per staff scolastico e adolescenti peer, oltre allo sviluppo del gioco online previsto dal progetto.

🤝 RECONNECT continua a lavorare per scuole più inclusive, attente e vicine ai bisogni degli adolescenti.

Hikikomori Italia | DGASPC HR | Spectrum Research Centre | ENTER Network

Reconnection doesn't happen overnight. It begins with small moments of awareness, growing confidence, and the support of people who understand.

Through the "RECONNECT – Empowering Teachers and Students to Support Hikikomori Reintegration" project, our partners are developing practical tools and innovative learning experiences to help educators better support young people experiencing social withdrawal.

By encouraging understanding, building confidence, and strengthening social connections, we hope to create pathways towards meaningful reintegration.

Together, we can help every young person feel seen, supported, and connected.

🌟 Your Feedback, Our Inspiration: LTT Training Evaluation Results🌟
We are delighted to share that the evaluation of our Learning, Teaching and Training (LTT) event in Milan showed overwhelmingly positive results!

Participants highly appreciated:
✅ The excellent organisation and realistic planning of the event.
✅ The collaborative atmosphere and active participation throughout the training.
✅ The quality and relevance of the Teacher Training Curriculum.
✅ The practical value of the modules for supporting young people experiencing social withdrawal (hikikomori) and facilitating their reintegration into education.

Many participants highlighted the interactive discussions, exchange of experiences, and practical examples as the strongest aspects of the training. Several also shared constructive suggestions, which will help us further improve the curriculum and make it even more useful for educators and professionals.

A sincere thank you to everyone who participated, contributed their expertise, and completed the evaluation. Your feedback is essential in helping us develop high-quality educational resources and strengthen our collective impact.

Together, we are building better support for young people and creating more inclusive educational environments.

🤝🇪🇺 Transnational Training event in Milan

From June 15–18, Hikikomori Italia hosted the official Transnational Training Event for the RECONNECT project in Milan. Specialists from the partner countries spent four productive days together, working to better understand the hikikomori phenomenon and develop concrete tools to support young people.

During the meeting, the transnational team collaborated on developing training programs tailored for both teachers and students. The professional workshops covered key project themes:

The early detection of social withdrawal

Opportunities for school-based prevention

Effective cooperation with affected families

Practical reintegration methods and positive European examples 📚

One of the most moving moments of the program was hearing the personal stories of two parents. Their firsthand experiences helped the specialists deeply understand the daily challenges faced by youth experiencing severe social isolation and their families. 💙

Alongside the professional workshops, the event offered an important platform to exchange experiences, share ideas, and strengthen partner relations. The participants jointly mapped out the tasks for the next phase of the project, which include finalizing and translating the training materials, and preparing for the upcoming pilot training sessions.

The RECONNECT project aims to support educators, young people, and families in recognizing and managing the hikikomori phenomenon, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and supportive school environment across Europe.