The researchers conducted child interviews and made observations at three leisure centers in two municipalities in Östergötland.

They have studied what the children do and what happens in the after-school centers and can state that loneliness is difficult to detect.

Several children suffer from loneliness in leisure centers

- We have noticed more cases where we have seen children who are alone in leisure centers and especially based on these observations we have made, says Lina Lago, senior lecturer department for the theme of children, at Linköping University.

Although the study is relatively small, the question is important, the researchers say.

- These are good leisure centers, you have good activities, but we have seen these children in all three leisure centers.

It is one of the most important tasks that leisure centers have to actually ensure that you have a social place, that you have someone to be with and something to do, says Lina Lago.

Three different types of loneliness in children

Researchers have been able to see that three different types of exclusion were common, invisible, conditional participation and dismissive action.

- Invisibility is about you being alone during leisure activities.

Nobody asks if you want to join, you simply do not exist.

Conditional participation is about you being allowed to participate in the game, but on special conditions.

You may have a very low role in the game, for example being a dog if you are to be allowed to participate.

Rejected is simply about other children saying outright that you are not allowed to be with us, says Helene Elvstrand, senior lecturer at the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Learning at Linköping University.

There is little research

Today, there is little research on leisure centers, despite the fact that most children between the ages of six and nine go on holiday, the researchers say.

- Research on leisure centers is generally needed, because it is a neglected area.

But social relationships in particular is an area that we see also needs to be supplemented with the special conditions that prevail in the holiday home, says Helene Elvstrand.

- It is serious enough that there are children who are alone in their free time.

Then you would like to investigate more in the subject to find out how many children have it like this when they are at a leisure center, says Lina Lago.